The FINANCIAL -- Nike has unveiled the uniforms
that will be worn in London this summer by Chinese athletes competing
in Archery, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field,
Weightlifting and Wrestling.
Innovations included Nike’s lightest-ever Hyper Elite basketball uniform for China’s men's and women's basketball teams and the Nike Pro TurboSpeed Uniform for China Track & Field.
Craig Cheek, Vice President & General Manager of Nike China, was joined at an event in Beijing by 22 Chinese athletes, including Yi Jianlian, Wang Shipeng, Zhu Fangyu, Liu Wei, Miao Lijie, Chen Nan, Tian Yuan, Lu Haojie and Wang Jiao to unveil the latest designs for the Chinese Federations. “Nike has been bringing innovations to Chinese athletes since 1984. These new products can help athletes unlock their potential and perform their best,” said Cheek.
World champion Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, who wore the Nike Pro TurboSpeed technology during his three consecutive wins at the IAAF World Grand Prix, shared his thoughts on the Nike Pro TurboSpeed track uniform. “That was the first time for me to wear such a compressed yet comfortable uniform. By offering aerodynamic drag reduction, this technology helps me achieve my best performance,” he said.
Nike’s designs for the Chinese Federation uniforms draw inspiration from China’s rich and vibrant culture, combining Chinese calligraphy with modern architectural design elements. According to Nike, they use simple, powerful and vibrant lines to illustrate Chinese athletes’ strength and confidence. The striking design of the uniforms evokes a strong sense of national pride. Inspired by the lyrics of China’s national anthem, the mantra “Arise, March On” is printed into the neckline of the basketball jersey.
The uniforms also combine superior lightweight performance with lower environmental impact as part of Nike’s ‘Better World’ ethos. Innovation is embedded into the design and development process from the very beginning, addressing use of environmentally preferred materials, reduction of waste and eliminating toxics. The Track and Field and Basketball uniforms are made using materials derived from recycled bottles.
Chinese national basketball player Yi Jianlian commented: “The new uniform and shoes are lighter and more breathable. The design, with its Chinese elements, makes us feel proud and confident on the court. I also really appreciate the commitment to the environment and the fact that the uniforms are made with recycled plastic bottles.”
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