Keely Hodgkinson and her coaching team have defended her "sexy" catsuit that she will be banned from wearing on Team GB duty. Hodgkinson unveiled the all-black Nike Speedsuit as she stormed to victory in the 800 metres at the all-female Athlos meet in London last month.
The Catwoman-esque outfit sparked debate across the sporting world, with many questioning whether it was within the rules. Nothing has emerged to indicate it falls foul of regulations, and Hodgkinson has hinted she could wear something similar at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Team GB Kit Restrictions
However, as it stands, she would not be allowed to wear the same Nike suit when representing her country at events like the World Championships and the Olympics. While athletes can wear shoes and spikes from different brands, that doesn't extend to attire.
Team GB is currently supplied by Nike's rival Adidas as part of a deal that runs until the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. A Team GB spokesperson said: "Supported by our partners and in tandem with our sports, we have always worked to provide athlete-centred and innovative kit that supports our teams to perform at their best at both the Summer and Winter Games."
The spokesperson added: "We're confident and excited about what's ahead and the developments we're working towards for future Games, including Los Angeles 2028."
Coaches' Support and Design Details
A UK Athletics spokesperson added: "The speed suit Keely Hodgkinson wore at Athlos was a bespoke Nike design created specifically for her. We are in regular dialogue with Nike regarding all aspects of performance apparel and will continue to assess any innovations that could benefit our athletes in future championship environments."
Addressing the outfit, Hodgkinson said it made her feel "sexy" and as if she were wearing nothing. She said: "I wanted to be comfortable but I wanted to feel a little bit sexy. The back's open and that makes it feel really cool. It feels like I'm wearing nothing to be honest."
Crucially, Hodgkinson has the full backing of her coaches, Ron and Jenny Meadows. She told Athletics Weekly: "Keely is an innovator, she's always wanted to do things differently, and she's a big lover of fashion."
Meadows added: "Nike were so respectful of us as coaches because they obviously wanted us to be really, really comfortable with it. Because at the end of the day, we think about performance, and it's not just what you look like."
She continued: "You've got to think: Is it faster or is it just a gimmick? You've actually got to walk out in front of an audience the first time and you've got to win in that thing. It's a statement piece."
Aerodynamics and Personal Choice
Hodgkinson is confident the suit complies with legal requirements, and while aerodynamics were paramount, she did secure one crucial concession. She said: "The science was like technically with the air drag you're slower with your hair out, but I was like, 'That's a non-negotiable. My hair is staying out.' I'm very much, 'Look good, feel good.'"
