Today, adidas unveiled the Team GB and ParalympicsGB kit for Tokyo 2020 on world-class athletes at the top of London arts centre, Somerset House, highlighting how athletes are rising together following a year of uncertainty and unprecedented challenges.
Overlooking iconic skyline views of London, athletes including Max Whitlock, Laura Kenny, Elliot Stewart, Laviai Nielson, Olivia Breen and Shauna Coxsey showcased the new kit in the crow’s nest of the iconic building, in a series of images symbolising the athlete’s hopes for a bright Summer.
Highly regarded for using its neo-classical backdrop to showcase ground-breaking contemporary culture, Somerset House provided the perfect setting to celebrate the launch of the kit, reflecting the combination of traditional and contemporary that sits at the heart of the kit’s design. The kit features a striking deconstructed Union flag, which uses transparent overlays to bring a rich depth of uniqueness and modern relevancy to celebrating national pride. Supporting the design, the kit also pushes the boundaries in sustainable performance with leading adidas technologies PRIMEGREEN and PRIMEBLUE, alongside HEAT.RDY technology to help keep athletes cool whilst competing in what is set to be the hottest games on record.
Speaking on the launch of the new kit, Max Whitlock said: “It’s such a proud feeling to be unveiling the kit, especially given how hard the last year has been. The Olympic games is a pinnacle sporting event, and I am so excited to be heading out to Tokyo wearing a kit that unites us as a team but also allows me to stand out as an individual and represent my country with pride.”
Making her debut at the games is sprinter Laviai Nielson, who said: “To be unveiling the kit in my home city and at such an iconic location like Somerset House is incredibly exciting. It has felt like a long time coming to get to this moment… but what a moment it is! The new kit is amazing, and I love the fresh and contemporary design elements. I think all the athletes wearing this kit in Tokyo will feel a real sense of unity and I think it will help us to feel connected to fans watching us back at home.”
ParalympicsGB hopeful, Elliot Stewart said “The last year has been filled with challenges and set-backs, but to be here at Somerset House with everyone unveiling the new kit is really special. We have all worked so hard to get to where we are now, and with Tokyo 2020 set to be a totally unique Games, we can be confident that we are putting our best feet forward in a kit that not only looks great but features the latest in innovative and sustainable technologies.”
The adidas Team GB apparel will be available www.adidas.co.uk/teamgb
