Sports
USA gymnastics’ Paris Olympics uniforms have over 47,000 Swarovski crystals
Team USA is heading to Paris in full bling.
The U.S. Olympic gymnastics team will be sporting bedazzled patriotic leotards that showcase 47,000 Swarovski crystals across eight different designs.
The leotards were exclusively revealed Wednesday on TODAY, marking the first occasion of uniforms being disclosed weeks before their Olympic debut.
“The collection draws inspiration from classic American patriotism and old Hollywood glamour while blending sophisticated Parisian high fashion and sparkling light to pay homage to the host city,” GK Elite wrote in a statement, according to the news release.
Both the men’s and women’s uniforms were designed and manufactured at the headquarters of Elite Sportswear in Reading, Pa., per the report.
“Wait, this is beautiful!” Simone Biles, who earned a third trip to the Olympics after cruising to victory at the trials, exclaimed in a video aired as the team got their initial glimpse of the leos.
Biles, who has a total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, is poised to make history in Paris.
With one more Olympic medal, the 27-year-old U.S. gymnastics stalwart will surpass Shannon Miller and hold the record for the most medals earned by an American gymnast.
Among the eight designs is the Luminous Legacy, which is adorned with over 10,000 crystals, according to The New York Times.
For Jeanne Diaz, the design director of GK Elite, the more crystals, the better.
“The more crystals, the more impact, the more the leotards are talked about,” Diaz said. “And not just the leotards but the gymnasts wearing them. Effective use of crystals “can accentuate the routine of the gymnasts, their line.”
Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera will compete alongside Biles, who will captain the five-person team.
Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong were named as alternates.
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the American gymnasts, who took home the silver, wore leotards adorned with 6,400 crystals.
It’s safe to say they are definitely stepping up their game this year.
The 2024 Paris Olympics gymnastics events will begin July 27.