Olympians have new shoes to fill (+pics/video)

Athletes give outfit thumbs up

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

Rower James Dallinger during the launch of the Beijing 2008 New Zealand Team uniform.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

STRIKE A POSE: Swimmer Helen Norfolk during the launch of the Beijing 2008 New Zealand Team uniform.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

FEET FIRST: Crocs are part of the Beijing 2008 New Zealand team uniform.

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ICONIC: A new Silver Fern was the major feature of the New Zealand Olympic team???s uniform which was officially unveiled in Auckland.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

SMART: Lonsdale Cup winner and shot putter Valerie Vili during the launch of the Beijing 2008 New Zealand Team uniform.

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Fashionistas' worst fears have been confirmed.

New Zealand Olympians will wear Crocs in Beijing, it was confirmed when the team’s uniform was officially unveiled in Auckland last night.

The much-maligned plastic clog was there, as part of the casual uniform.

So were several new designs by the shoemaker. New Zealand Olympic chef de mission Dave Currie acknowledged the distinctive foreign-made shoe would prove divisive.

"People seem to either love or hate them," he said.

"There’s no getting away from it. But we want to front foot this story, and my message to those who hate them is simple . . . give us a break.

"Crocs came to us with a generous [sponsorship] package, and there really are no New Zealand shoemakers of note left.

"So we seized the opportunity and I think they look quite smart."

Swimmer Dean Kent, preparing for his third Olympics, said that "‘while they might not be the most fashionable shoes, I think they will be extremely functional".

Teammate Moss Burmester agreed: "It’s going to be really hot in Beijing so these will be perfect, especially on the pool deck where we need to be able to change in and out of uniform really quickly.’’

Rower Nathan Twaddle was part of the athlete panel that designed the uniform and was aware of the fuss surrounding the shoe.

"But I think it’s great that a shoemaker wanted to come on board, and who are we to turn down a sponsor?’’

Above the ankle line, the uniform was a hit. Shot putter Valerie Vili certainly thought so.

"It’s my first look at it and I can’t wait to wear the uniform now," she said.

"To be honest I would have worn anything they gave me, but this is really smart and I love the new [silver] fern."

Another feature is the inclusion of Chinese characters embroidered on the back of all outerwear.

"Together they read New Zealand," said NZOC chairman Barry Maister.

"It’s a sign of respect to the people of the host country. Our hope is that if we’re not competing against the Chinese, we want 1.4 billion people cheering for us."

Interest will centre on the uniform at the opening ceremony — but that’s 100 days away still.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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linda   #34   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

new Zealnd olympics uniform looks very smart!!!

justin   #33   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I cant believe that the NZ team has to wear crocs! Even the Aussies have heels! What were they thinking!

Liz   #32   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Can I get a pair of sponsored "New Zealand Olympian" Crocs?

vader   #31   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

did our tax money pay for the uniforms?....

vader   #30   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

it looks like crap thats why. if it was made in china they could have made it better & cheaper....crapinua.....lol

curious   #29   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Where are crocs made btw?

hyphen   #28   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Has anyone who "hates" Crocs ever actually tried the jandals on? The Crocs jandals I have are the most comfy footwear I own! There are only so many ways you can style a jandal...

I - on the other hand - don't really like the way they've styled the fern, which I think is much more important than what the athletes are wearing on their feet. It's public opinion - you're never going to get everyone 100% happy. That's my $0.02.

Philip Williams   #27   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

whatis all the fuss about'' MADE IN NEW ZEALAND'' is all i want to hear ( and i am working in the textiles that help dye the uniforms thanks to all who make it possable

Bill   #26   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

During the opening ceremony, perhaps we're not particularly challenged by the other "N" nations (excluding the always well-dressed Norwegians). But overall I have to say that the people responsible for this absolute joke of a uniform need to spend some time in a country where people take more care of their appearance (like 90% of other countries). How would we look standing next to Italy? People would laugh and we don't go to the Olympics to be the butt of any jokes.

How we look MATTERS HUGELY to how the world percieves us in the Olympic forum, almost as much as results, and I have to say I'm a bit ashamed by this effort as we WILL be laughed at behind closed doors. We look like a bunch of dishevelled 12 year olds who need their mum to tuck in their shirts. Grow up NZ and take some pride in your appearance! I bet Crocs are having a giggle at what they've pulled off here too!

DubDub   #25   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Personally, I like it. The whole package, overall, is quite nice. Especially like the crocs!

This uniform, instead of being formal and boring, speaks a bit to the teenage generation. The crocs are functional and stylish. I think the whole thing was a good decision.

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