Keely Hodgkinson, the 24-year-old Olympic 800m champion, will not be permitted to wear her newly designed Nike catsuit when competing for Team GB, including at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and next year’s World Athletics Championships. Hodgkinson introduced the bespoke speed suit during her recent victory at Athlos in London, where she recorded a time of 1:56.40.
The suit, developed in collaboration with Nike, features an open back and a specially designed gap to accommodate Hodgkinson’s trademark ponytail. She has praised the outfit for its comfort and style, describing it as feeling like “wearing nothing” and highlighting its effectiveness in managing heat during intense training sessions. Hodgkinson also acknowledged the suit’s aesthetic appeal as a factor in her choice, stating she wanted it to feel “a little bit sexy” while maintaining functionality.
Despite its potential aerodynamic advantages, the bespoke speed suit will not be allowed under Team GB’s kit regulations. The decision is linked to Team GB’s longstanding partnership with Adidas, which requires athletes to wear Adidas-designed kits during official competitions. While athletes representing Great Britain are allowed to use different brands for accessories such as shoes and spikes, this arrangement does not extend to full-body racing suits. Consequently, Hodgkinson will be unable to wear the Nike catsuit at the 2024 World Athletics Championships or the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Responding to the situation, a Team GB spokesperson emphasized their commitment to providing athlete-centered and innovative kit, expressing confidence about future developments in sportswear ahead of upcoming Games. A UK Athletics representative confirmed that Hodgkinson’s speed suit was a bespoke creation by Nike and that discussions with the company remain ongoing regarding performance apparel. The spokesperson added that UK Athletics continues to evaluate innovations that could benefit athletes in various competitive environments.
Hodgkinson faces competition from Audrey Werro, the current European and Ultimate Champion, as both athletes prepare for forthcoming major events. The denial of Hodgkinson’s custom suit raises questions about the balance between athlete preference and sponsorship agreements in elite sports, highlighting the complexities national teams encounter when managing commercial partnerships while supporting athlete performance enhancements.