At the 2025 World Athletics Relays, Team USA and Great Britain wore Nike uniforms that looked almost identical. Both kits featured the same fabric pattern and similar colour schemes. This confused fans, commentators, and even athletes on the track. Many viewers struggled to tell the two teams apart during fast-paced relay exchanges.
The striking similarity sparked criticism on social media. Fans expressed disappointment, expecting unique designs that reflect each country’s identity. Some American athletes voiced frustration, saying the uniforms lacked distinctiveness. They want apparel that represents their nation’s pride and heritage.
Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry, Team USA sprinter, tweeted:
“Let me send that tweet to Nike and tell them that’s why they have to stop being lazy when making the uniforms.” Olympian Rori Dunk posted on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the similarity.
“There’s something similar about the USA & Great Britain’s competition jersey …Can’t quite put my finger on it.”
Nike appears to have reused fabric designs for both teams, likely to cut costs. This approach upset fans who value originality and national symbolism in sportswear. The uniform controversy overshadowed some of the competition’s excitement.
Commentators noted the irony of two fierce rivals wearing nearly indistinguishable kits. The confusion made it harder to follow the intense relay battles between Team USA and Great Britain. Many called on Nike to create more distinct uniforms in the future.
Sports journalist Lillian bluntly tweeted during the World Athletics Indoor Championships:
“Nike really didn’t try with the US & UK kits lmaooo.” In addition, Track and field commentator Travis Miller remarked on social media:
“Those Team USA & Great Britain Nike uniforms looking the EXACT same…”
Moreover, U.S. national champion distance runner Lauren Fleshman criticised the women’s Olympic kit.
“Women’s kits should be in service to performance, mentally and physically. If this outfit was truly beneficial, men would wear it.”
Neither Nike nor the teams have officially addressed the uniform similarity issue. However, the backlash highlights growing demand for personalised, creative designs. Fans want apparel that celebrates each nation’s unique story and athletic spirit.
As the World Championships in Tokyo approach, both teams may push Nike for clearer differentiation. Unique uniforms help build team identity and fan connection. The 2025 World Relays uniform mix-up serves as a reminder: in elite sport, details matter.
