Rio 2016 unveils Brazil uniforms for Olympics opening and closing ceremonies

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has unveiled the uniforms that will be worn by Brazil's delegation at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Ana Sátila (canoeing), Marcus D ' Almeida (archery), Pedro Gonçalves (canoeing) and Aline Silva (wrestling) modeled the outfits Wednesday (Jul. 6).

The design by Lenny Niemeyer was the unanimous choice among five entries in a contest run by the COB. “Nothing has ever been as exciting in my career as imagining 1,600 athletes wearing my outfits before the eyes of one billion viewers. Just the thought of it makes me thrill,” Lenny said.

The fashion designer said creating a uniform for athletes that could be 1.5m to over 2m tall has been a challenge. It took her and the designers' team 15 days to decide on a pattern that could translate Brazil's wildlife and coast, while also making the uniform timeless and classic. “Something that can still look fashionable and beautiful to anyone in 10, 20, 30 years' time,” she said.

Comfort was also an important feature for Lenny Niemeyer, who chose such fabrics as cotton and spandex. “[The uniform] looks so much like Brazil. It's comfortable to wear and you find it's superb, we feel so good in it,” said canoe athlete Ana Sátila. “The excitement of walking into a packed stadium will be amazing. Knowing that we'll have the best in clothing will be just perfect. It's like we're at the top,” said Sátila, who will be appearing in her second Olympics.

Marcus D'Almeida also liked the uniform. He will wear it at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. “It blends light, comfortable wear perfectly. It is nice-looking and combines green, blue and yellow in a very stylish way,” the archer said.

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, chair of the COB and the Rio 2016 Committee, says providing athletes with comfort is key, “whether it's the opening or closing ceremony.” He added that the Rio 2016 Committee licensing sector is considering making the uniform or pieces with the design commercially available to the public.

Translated by Mayra Borges