Nike launches Russian track & field uniforms

Merging performance, design and sustainability, Russian athletes will be able to take advantage of the best of Nike’s innovation with products such as the new Nike Pro TurboSpeed collection and the FlyKnit racer.

Michaela Stitz, Vice President and General Manger, Nike Central and Eastern Europe was joined by four Russian athletes Anastasia Kapachinskaya, Ksenia Vdovina, Lilya Shobukhova, Maria Savinova and Andrey Silnov to reveal the latest designs for the Russian athletes.

Nike Global Olympic Creative Director Martin Lotti said: “Our overriding design principle is superior lightweight performance, and we’ve created innovations that can help make the athlete faster. For the Russian Track and Field team, we’ve incorporated a mix of color, typeface and design that reflect the Russian national identity. Combined with the fact that every piece of apparel is made from recycled plastic bottles, it adds up to true innovation.”

The Russian uniform was inspired by a mix of iconic cultural imagery including constructivism art style and soviet era posters. The two-headed eagle crest over the heart signifies Russian pride and unity and is set against the distinctive blue and red uniform. The Russian typeface was inspired by prominent Russian artists and denotes a proud and industrious nation.

Valentin Balakhnichev, President of the Russian Track and Field Federation said: “With more than 100 athletes in our Track and Field squad this year, we are pleased to have Nike as a partner, supplying our team with innovative footwear and apparel to help unlock their potential and proudly represent their country.”

Anastasia Kapachinskaya said: “The kit should be first of all light and comfortable, to assure nothing distracts you from the competition. In my discipline speed is key and the Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit helps me to be faster on the track. I also like that the designers used traditional Russian elements in the design of the kit.”

The Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit is the lightest, fastest track uniform Nike has ever built. Based on 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing data, it is up to 0.023 seconds faster over 100m than Nike’s previous track uniform. With a focus on sustainability, uniforms in the Nike Pro TurboSpeed collection use an average of 82% recycled polyester fabric and up to an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The Nike Flyknit revolutionizes running by rethinking shoe construction from the ground up. Yarns and fabric variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a featherweight and virtually seamless upper. With all the structure and support knitted in, the whole shoe weighs a mere 160g (5.6 ounces). The inspiration for Nike Flyknit was born from everyday athlete insights, craving a shoe with the qualities ofa sock: a snug fit that goes virtually unnoticed to the wearer.

Nike Inc