[gmcneill]

The official response from the RL Company said all of the right things: sorry; we checked, but it was too late to re-tool to a US manufacturer; we commit to manufacture future uniforms in USA (RL has a multi-Olympic agreement); will work with others (public/private/regulatory agencies) to address the larger issue of keeping/initiating manufacuring jobs in USA; and lastly, asked all of us to fully support the athletes, many of whom have dedicated years of their lives for this one opportunity.

[ijusluvit]

I intend to write to the US Olympic Committee, after the Games, to ask that they revisit their multi-games contract with RL. Specifically I'll suggest the uniforms be made in the US and that the RL logo be reduced to no larger than 1.5 inches in height.

Personally, the later issue was more objectionable than the former.

[nitehawk]

Big business runs the summer Olympics - the athletes are only pawns - maybe the originators of the games had the right idea - compete in the nude
The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games | The Games
I used to give to the winter Olympics -- never again

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

Big business runs the summer Olympics - the athletes are only pawns - maybe the originators of the games had the right idea - compete in the nude
The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games | The Games
I used to give to the winter Olympics -- never again

I ran hurdles in high school in Physical Ed. class and would never want to run these without some kind of protection. Just the thought of it in the nude makes me cringe.

Some of the athletes at the Olympics are very highly payed professional athletes or are hotshots with lots of company endorsements. Most though-- at least from the USA-- have struggled for years just for the very short shot at Olympic glory and hometown pride. My various donations to Summer and Winter Olympics have been because of these mostly unknown athletes.

We only see most of them during the Walk of Nations as the network showing the Olympics also only usually focuses on those with the endorsements of various companies, those winning or in medal contention, and those who are already celebrities.

[uujudy]

One of the things that surprised me about the Olympics was that the athletes wore their uniforms everywhere, even when they weren't competing or parading!

We would see the Belarussian hockey team at Albertson's buying snacks -- in their outfits. The Canadian ice skaters would be walking down the streets in their outfits (Canada House was right around the corner from us). The Japanese, the Norwegians, the Germans, the Brits, The French.... Everybody wore their outfits everywhere. I thought that was really cool!

And the berets... I think one reason for the hats (other than warmth) is so the athletes have some place to put their pins. The athletes (and everybody else) traded pins with folks from other countries. One of the most sought-after pins at the 2002 Olympics was the 'Lime Jell-o' pin!

Back on topic... I wonder if other athletes get upset that their outfits aren't made in their own countries -- or if they're so thrilled at finally having a chance to compete they'll wear anything the Committee gives them?

[billethkid]

to each his own opinion. For once I agree (and only this once) with Harry Reid...."let's just put them in a big pile and burn them".....

I personally think they should try to jump through hoops to get USA made uniforms.

At a minimum If they have no choice but to wear the outfits, I would support some sort of arm banding or other unified display by the athletes...at least by those unafraid to stand and be counted.

What a very stupid happening at a time when the country is being fueled by the outsourcing mania.

As a side note....when the Chinese come to the USA don't you wonder what their reaction is to most of the souveniers avalable are made in China?

I guess when they find one made in the USA it is a prize find!!!!!!!!!!

btk

[Patty55]

I've been giving some thought to this whole thing. My big problem isn't that they were made in China, my problem is the Ralph Lauren Polo logo and the design. These kids are athletes with great bodies and he has them prancing around like Thurston Howell III and his wife Dovey.

[Vinny]

I would not be hypocritical since I am probably wearing using luggage, wearing footwear, utilize athletic equipment and own and use many things not made in America.

[njbchbum]

i'd appreciate it if someone could go through harry reid's closets and identify where his wardrobe is made! reminds me of the old saying - let he who is without sin cast the first stone! i'd like to know what kind of cars are registered to him as well!

i wonder whose olympic outfits were NOT made in china - or some third world country!

does harry want to take away the athletes ipads, cell phones, computers and digital cameras, too?

[Joaniesmom]

Originally Posted by Patty55

I've been giving some thought to this whole thing. My big problem isn't that they were made in China, my problem is the Ralph Lauren Polo logo and the design. These kids are athletes with great bodies and he has them prancing around like Thurston Howell III and his wife Dovey.

If we're ever playing Charades at a party, you're definitely on my team! Thurston Howell III and Dovey!!! Incredible!!

[windylou]

As an athlete I would protest strongly ... and probably NOT wear the uniform
made in China . Shopping is no joy to me...until I find MADE in AMERICA ..
The picture of the uniform reminded me of the statue of Dr Martin Luther King ...
which LOOKS like CHinese !! I was so surprised that the black Americans did not
protest THAT .

[windylou]

You are right about looking in our own closets.. but we have to buy
what's on the racks ... or nothing. I try to find American made
but sometimes, I just have to buy what fits !
However, the Olympic committee had a choice ... since these are
not on a rack !

[Patty55]

There are plenty of "Made in America" goods on the racks, you just have to pay more for them. You can't have it both ways.

I think the solution to the big problem here is to bring back American sweatshops.