Turkey’s National Paralympic Committee has announced plans to redesign the official uniforms of the country’s athletes after their outfits at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris were widely criticized.
The committee issued a statement after a board meeting in which it noted that the uniforms designed by prominent Turkish fashion brand Vakko were harshly criticized for their resemblance to pajamas. The outfits, which were worn by athletes such as Mete Gazoz and Busenaz Sürmeneli, sparked negative reactions on social media and led to calls for a new design.
Not a lot of love for these Vakko-designed outfits for the Turkish athletes at the Paris Olympics & mixed response to the opening ceremony. Now it’s all about the sport! Good luck to all the athletes 🧿🥇🥈🥉 https://t.co/uvcMbzPdRP
— Ipek Ozerim (@IpekOzerim) July 28, 2024
“The uniforms for the opening ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are an important cultural showcase for the participating countries. While some countries choose traditional dress, others opt for creations from their own fashion brands,” the committee explained. “From the United States to Mongolia, from France to Italy and even small Pacific island states, countries have been participating in these ceremonies for decades with creations that reflect their culture and traditions.”
Turkish Olympic athletes’ outfits spark heated debate https://t.co/7Cp6Y7TyUk pic.twitter.com/0wPTT9CaNE
— Hürriyet Daily News (@HDNER) July 29, 2024
The committee acknowledged the criticism and expressed regret over the situation.
“We were not involved in the decision-making process for the outfits for the opening ceremony. The criticism and comparisons to pajamas were disappointing,” the statement read. “Going forward, we want to be more proactive in the design process to ensure that our athletes’ uniforms represent our nation appropriately and with pride.”
In the event that the new designs are not ready in time for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games on August 28, the committee has proposed that athletes wear sportswear with their sponsors’ designs. The statement concluded with an expression of gratitude for public understanding and a wish for success for all athletes.
The controversy over the uniforms began during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, which took place on the Seine.
The Turkish team, consisting of 102 athletes, wore the criticized uniforms designed by Vakko. The reaction on social media was swift and critical.
Many users compared the clothing to pajamas. Journalist Uğur Dündar’s comment on social media, “I see our Olympic pride, Busenaz Sürmeli and Mete Gazoz, in their pajamas for the first time,” summed up the mood.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will run until August 11. The Games will feature 329 competitions in 32 sports, including new disciplines such as breakdancing, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.