While others were scoffing at the, albeit a bit out of this century, designs that Ralph Lauren spun for this years 2012 Summer Olympics in London. I was saying, HEY guys… it looks kinda kewl actually. Very 70s boarding school chique if you ask me. Then I heard about where these outfits were produced and how much they cost each. Seriously US Olympic Committee?! SERIOUSLY?!
It seems these poshly dated duds were sew by some wonderful folks in China. Now, I’m internationally minded and love to travel but to outsource an Olympic garment to another country when our own is flailing miserably simply seems like a colossal fail.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference on taxes, “I am so upset. I think the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.”
Okey Harry. Settled down. Perhaps burning them is not the most cost effective solution BUT there should be more than a simple slap on the wrists to the USOC. Perhaps some checks and balances put in place so this doesn’t happen in the future? Maybe just a sign next to the old water cooler that reads “Do Not Outsource Our Olympic Team.” Oh the irony when 75% of our dressage team is naturalized but nonetheless they are now Americans so their garments should be 100% American as well.
As if it’s not bad enough that the London 2012 hosts have made it clear that athletes will not be seen drinking or wearing anything other than officially sponsored items and could even be fined if caught, now our athletes will be supporting China in their Ralph Lauren fashion back-forward apparel.
Yes, it’s quite a event to organize so we should give the hosts some slack and it’s quite a few outfits to prepare so again some slack but wait… quite a few outfits to prepare? I just wonder how much money the USOC stole from the pockets of a prospective merchant stateside and instead wired it across the ocean to China.
Too bad. So sad. Maybe they’ll get it right next time. Just maybe!
On a positive note, have you entered to win some Official London 2012 Merchandise? No? Go Enter Now!
Hi there. I work in PR, website design and advertising for many upper level event riders, some who are riding in this Olympics (Boyd Martin, Ronald Zabala-Goetschel, and the entire US Para Team). My partner also is the owner/founder of Bills Khakis, and we manufacture & produce all our clothes here in the USA!! We also sponsor Boyd and Ryan Wood, having dressed them for many jogs, but clearly not this one. Bill was actually interviewed last night about Polo’s faux pas with their choice to manufacture our uni’s in China.
Thanks so very much for the comment Lisa and for reading the blog!
Great piece! The first intelligent commentary I have heard on this. Thank you!
Thank so much for reading it Anna and for the comment! 🙂 –Angelea