Japanese nod in Aussie Olympic uniforms

The uniforms feature the classic green and gold colours with designs from two Indigenous artists, David Bosun and Paul Fleming, as well as a Japanese motif woven throughout.

The Japonism Yagasuri arrow pattern was incorporated in the design as a nod to the sportswear sponsor by "speaking to ASICS' Japanese heritage".

The clothing and footwear company said the arrow motif represented strength, steadfastness, determination and "forward momentum, as once shot, it never comes back".

"We are proud to work with ASICS and the artists to feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait artwork throughout the uniform, bringing the stories of these designs to a global audience of billions," Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 Anna Meares said.

The inclusion of art from Beijing 2008 Olympic boxer Paul Fleming and Torres Strait printmaking pioneer David Bosun brings the "largest integration of Indigenous prints on athlete uniforms in summer Olympic history", ASICS said.

"The centre piece represents a meeting place because the Olympics brings together people of all colours, religions and backgrounds from all over the world who are all competing for the same goal," Mr Fleming said.

"Everyone essentially becomes 'one', we're all athletes and it doesn't matter where you come from," he said.

Mr Bosun said his contribution to the design was inspired by traditional head dress, Dhari, a motif that features on the Torres Strait flag.

"The winds in this artwork flow diagonally through the Dhari, our traditional head dress, in the middle. The islands sit within the horizon line and the currents move from top to bottom, bottom to top," he said.

"All the lines converge in the centre, through the Dhari. The Dhari is a key ceremonial piece for us. It is worn during ritual celebrations, specifically in dance ceremonies. It is a powerful and important cultural item."

The uniforms should be comfortable for athletes to compete in with each item of clothing "specifically tailored to suit the range of motion needed for each individual sport," ASICS said.

The sportswear company said bespoke tailoring "was a significant undertaking considering the Australian team is expected to comprise 460 to 480 athletes from more than 30 sports".

The Paris 2024 Olympics begin on July 26 and end on August 11.