You would think world-class athletes would be given more than enough gear when competing at the Olympic games, but some of Canada’s top athletes are getting by in Rio with limited uniform options.
Andre De Grasse, who locked eyes and smiled at Usain Bolt and captured the awe of the sports world and has already claimed a bronze medal in the 100m dash, has just two track uniforms for his entire stay in Rio. Perhaps this would be OK if the Canadian track star was competing in one or two events, but De Grasse has been active all week with multiple heats and races. De Grasse may not be complaining, but someone close to him isn’t thrilled.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous that Canada cannot provide more than one competition uniform,” said the source, who asked not to be identified. “Where athletes should be eating, resting, getting treatment, and sleeping, now they have to waste time washing their uniform. Very short-sighted from the powers that be.”
De Grasse has two track uniforms from Nike, one pair of shorts, and one single bodysuit, and that was only after complaints about the lack of equipment was issued. It’s not just De Grasse who has a shortage of clothing. Canada’s entire track and field team is getting by with the bare minimum.
For the sake of comparison, Canada’s soccer team has eight uniforms, with four red uniforms and four white uniforms. Of course, in soccer, a team could be required a different uniform from match to match. But still, eight uniforms for a soccer team and just one for track and field seems off.
“With combined-events athletes it’s almost a guarantee that we’ll be competing seven to 10 times,” said Jessica Zelinka, two-time Olympian. “Sweat in it all morning, come back in the same uniform in the evening. Wear sandy bottoms from long jump to throw javelin and run the 800 metres in.”
C’mon Canada. Spare a few extra bucks and send more uniforms to your athletes next time. I’ll bet the hockey team never has this problem.
[CTV News]
