Track and Field: Uniforms


Figure 1.-- We also notice spandex-type materials being used. I'm not sure what the practical advantage of this type of material was or if was more of a fashion statement. This German boy is preparing to run a 100 meter dash.

There were of course no uniforms in the Greek Olympics. The atheletes performed naked. The revival of sports and Olympic events in the late 19th century did mean uniforms. The English public schools played a major role in the revival of sports, including track events. The first athletic uniforms in the late 19th century involved very long baggy shorts. Gradually track uniforms evolved in the 20th century to tank-top singlet type shirts and short shorts. We notice in the 1970s flashier shorts appared, often with a cut at each side. One style was rather scalloped. The fit has also cganged. We have noticed tight fitting shorts as well as a loose baggy fit as seen here (figure 1). Especially for the speed running events, modern track uniforms wear light weight costumes are very important. We also notice spandex-type materials being used. I'm not sure what the practical advantage of this type of material was or if was more of a fashion statement.








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Created: 1:19 AM 8/4/2004
Last updated: 1:19 AM 8/4/2004