Sports · Running & Athletics · 2 days ago
Hodgkinson says Nike catsuit helps her run but cannot wear it at Olympics
British runner Keely Hodgkinson wore a black Nike catsuit for the first time at the all-female Athlos meet in London last month.
She won the 800-metre race in 1 minute 56.40 seconds.
The suit covers her from head to ankles, with an open back, and has small iridescent details.
Hodgkinson says it feels so light that she feels as if she is wearing nothing.
Her coaches say it is a bold fashion choice but not a gimmick, and that performance was their main concern.
She will not be able to wear it while competing for Team GB at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, because British athletes must wear the team’s Adidas racing kit.
Hodgkinson has hinted the design could be tested further, but the suit’s use at future competitions is not confirmed.
Keely Hodgkinson’s team says her all-black Nike catsuit is a performance outfit, not a gimmick.
Coach Jenny Meadows said Hodgkinson felt the suit was light and helped her move.
Hodgkinson debuted the suit at the all-female Athlos meet in London last month and won the 800 metres.
She cannot wear the Nike suit when competing for Great Britain at the 2028 Olympics because British athletes must wear the team kit.
- Who
- Keely Hodgkinson, Olympic 800m champion, and her team.
- What
- Hodgkinson’s team defended her all-black Nike catsuit as a performance outfit rather than a gimmick.
- When
- She debuted it last month; the article was published on 9 October 2026.
- Where
- At the all-female Athlos meet in London.
- Why
- Her team says the suit is light and can help her run faster. She cannot wear it for Great Britain at the Olympics because British athletes must wear the team racing kit.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
She says it feels like she's not wearing anything.
You've got to think: Is it faster or is it just a gimmick?
We might know some things that people don't.
Hodgkinson showed the suit to coaches Jenny Meadows and Trevor Painter in South Africa.
Hodgkinson planned to wear the suit but delayed its unveiling after a knee injury in a fall.
Hodgkinson debuted the suit at the all-female Athlos meet in London and won in 1 minute 56.40 seconds.
- Athlos result
- 1 minute 56.40 seconds
- Olympic event
- 800 metres
- Suit maker
- Nike
- Olympics restriction
- British athletes must wear the team racing kit
- Team kit partner
- Adidas
Sources
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