Great Britain revealed its kit for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics as Rio de Janeiro marks 100 days "to go until the Games," according to the BBC. It is in the colors of the Union Flag -- red, white and blue -- and, as in '12, was designed by Stella McCartney, in collaboration with adidas.
The design features a new British coat of arms "created to act as a unifying symbol across the two teams and sports." The kit will be 10% lighter than four years ago and "is made from a breathable synthetic fabric." Gymnastics world champion Max Whitlock: "It's wicked" (BBC, 4/27).
ZIKA PROTECTION: REUTERS reported South Korean athletes "will make their Rio Olympics entrance covered up in long sleeves and trousers, uniforms its designers say were made to protect them from Zika-carrying mosquitoes."
South Korea's Olympic Committee unveiled on Wednesday the uniforms its athletes "will be dressed in when they arrive in Brazil and take part in ceremonies." The team will wear blue jackets and white trousers as well as white and blue and white and brown zip-up track suits, designed by fashion brand Bean Pole. Designer Kim Soo-jung:
"We designed the uniform with long sleeves, long pants and socks so that it protects the entire skin down to the ankles." Taekwondo athlete Lee Dae-hoon added, "The uniforms that used to be short-sleeved ended up with long sleeves because of the zika virus ... But (they are) comfortable to wear and move (around) in" (REUTERS, 4/27).
