Although gymnasts' uniforms are mostly utilitarian, they can also carry significant meaning and symbolism through their choice of color, silhouette, and design. The use of long-sleeved tights by gymnasts has been pretty consistent over the years, but every day calls for a different design, and each style has a different meaning.
At the 2021 Summer Olympics currently taking place in Tokyo, the women's individual all-around final took place on Thursday, July 29, and gymnast Suni Lee debuted the "Freedom Bodysuit" from GK Elite, the official apparel sponsor of the national team.
The brand said in a press release that the design of the red, white and blue long-sleeved leotard was inspired by the similar flag-covered look seen in the 1996 and 2004 Olympic gymnastics uniforms.
This year's version features a navy blue bodice with white sleeves, with red and white stripes on the shoulders and chest. This bodysuit is made from metallic spandex and embellished with 5,639 Swarovski crystals throughout.
While tights are fashionable enough on their own, the symbolism behind them is especially fascinating. In fact, the message hidden in Lee's tights essentially predicted her victory. GK Elite explains that the bodice features a star-shaped crystal embellishment "designed to represent the medals hanging around the athletes' necks."
She ended up winning, receiving a gold medal after her performance on day six. To put it bluntly, a medal was incorporated into the design and then Lee actually won it in real life. heartbroken.
If you want to get that Team America look, GK Elite is selling a consumer version of the same bodysuit. You can purchase the sleeveless version of the bodysuit below for $80.
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Liberty Replica Workout Tights GK Elite
