The formal announcement of the Irish team for the London 2012 Olympic games today also provided the perfect opportunity for the team to showcase their new outfits.
For the first time ever, the athletes have chosen the official outfits by themselves.
“The equipment was always chosen by designers or officials in the past, but this time around, four years ago, we decided to let the athletes chose the gear,” said Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland.
“Athletes were always complaining about being forced to wear blazers and slacks so we consulted with all of the athletes, who then decided on the gear,”
The Irish team’s track and team wear is sponsored by sports brand Asics.
Fourteen of the chosen athletes modelled the gear themselves in catwalk fashion, to aptly chosen music the Clash’s ‘London Calling’.
Each athlete modelled a different outfit, which included parade outfits, casual wear and performance wear.
Camilla Spiers, who is competing in the equestrian category, said that she was very happy with the gear.
“I’m obviously not used to wearing track and field gear, but I do like all of the outfits, they look very practical but stylish as well,” she said.
Mark Kenneally, who is competing in the men’s marathon, was impressed by the parade outfits.
“A lot of the gear we have had in the past was a very dark green and we are uncomfortable in it, so this looks great, I’m very happy with the way it looks,”
“I won’t be wearing it in the marathon, I don't think that's a fashion that will catch on somehow,” he joked, talking about the restricting performance piece he modelled.
Despite the new outfits for athletes, Mr Hickey said that the officials would still retain the blazers and slacks.
“You will be pleased to know this," he said.
“I don’t think that attire would suit everyone,”