When it comes to the Olympic Games, the competition isn't just about the fastest, highest, or strongest.

There's an equally fierce unofficial contest – the battle of the national uniforms.

And this year, as the world's finest athletes prepare to strut their stuff in the fashion capital of Paris, it seems that Australia's green and gold attire has become the talk of the town, but perhaps for all the wrong reasons.


The Australian Olympic team's uniforms, designed by Sportscraft, have sparked a wave of reactions on social media.

Users have roasted the outfits with quips and comparisons to the iconic Aussie TV characters Kath and Kim.

It's a far cry from the chic tuxedos of the French team or the bold statements made by the Americans and Canadians with their Ralph Lauren and Lululemon ensembles, respectively.


Former AFL player Dan Gorringe (@dandoesfooty) has captured the attention of the social media platform with his video questioning Australia's fashion choices.

'Why does everyone look good but us?' he asked, showcasing the striking uniforms of Team Mongolia, Haiti's traditional yet contemporary outfits, and Taiwan's eco-friendly attire.

‘So, did Australia miss the memo on the Olympics becoming Fashion Week?’


Then comes the reveal of Australia's uniforms: green double-breasted linen blazers paired with a green and gold ombre pleated skirt or stone-coloured chino shorts.

'What in the private school is this?' Dan quipped.

'Thank god there aren't medals for best dressed because we wouldn't even touch a bronze medal, let alone a gold or silver. Have we got netball at 11 and then debating at 1?'

Social media sentiment seems to echo Dan's, with many users feeling that the uniforms are 'so uncool' and reminiscent of a 'private sports school.'

Comments range from humorous jabs like 'It's giving Kath and Kim' and 'It's giving Sharon Strzelecki' to more critical takes such as 'Ours looks so cheap compared to other countries' and 'I can't remember an Olympics where we looked good.'


Even the Matildas players Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy expressed their less-than-impressed reactions on social media, which has since gone viral, garnering over 37 million views.

Their body language and the accompanying audio, 'Let's f****** go? Let's go, I guess?' speaks volumes about their feelings towards the uniforms.

Despite the online roasting, the Australian Olympic uniforms have some unique and meaningful elements.

For the first time, the Australian Olympians’ Oath is featured on the inside jacket pocket of the blazers for the opening ceremony, and the lining is adorned with the names of all 301 Australian Olympic champions.

Additionally, Indigenous artwork titled ‘Walking Together’ by Olympic boxer Paul Fleming is incorporated into the pocket square and scarf, adding a layer of cultural significance to the attire.

You can watch the video here:



In other Olympic news, Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe was spotted in a wheelchair at the Olympic swimming trials in Brisbane.

Channel Seven reported that Thorpe's injury happened while filming Celebrity Amazing Race, where he was a contestant.
What are your thoughts on the Australian Olympic uniforms? Are they a fashion faux pas or a patriotic display of Aussie spirit? Have you ever seen an Olympic uniform from any country that genuinely wowed you? Share your opinions and memories in the comments below.