Revealed: The hidden meanings in Australia’s new Olympic uniforms – and they’re NOT green and gold anymore

Australia’s Olympic uniforms were unveiled on Wednesday, with the contemporary outfits boasting hidden features throughout.

A number of hopefuls took to Clovelly Beach in Sydney to pose in their new outfits  – which a global audience of over one billion people will see – while morning swimmers took to the waves.

Cycling legend Anna Meares was keen to point out the Australian Olympians’ Oath’s inclusion inside the jacket pocket, while the names of 301 Olympic champions from Australia are etched into the jacket lining.  

But lesser-spotted features include Indigenous artwork ‘Walking Together’ from Olympic boxer Paul Fleming in the pocket square, while Our Way of Life by Torres Strait Islander artist David Bosun is decorated on the scarves.

The biggest twist of them all is the colouring of the uniform. Gone is the classic –  

The classic green has made way for a trendy teal for the games in France

‘We’re on the fashion stage and we wanted to make our athletes proud, as well as putting a contemporary feel into the uniforms,’ said Elisha Hopkinson, chief executive of APG & Co, owner of official uniform supplier Sportscraft. 

‘We have to use the green and gold. For us, the priority is making sure that the colours sing and feel contemporary.’

‘Over the years, the shades of green have changed, and in Sydney 2000 we had the ochre blazers, but I think the green is beautiful,’ added Olympic gold medallist and former senator Nova Peris. ‘Just as important is having Indigenous identity and culture embedded in the uniforms.’

‘It helps athletes understand that when you represent this country you don’t just represent 250 years, you represent 65,000 years.’

The blazers will be worn over tank tops or white T-shirts, while stone chino shorts also feature teal and gold details.  

There are various hidden meanings in the uniform that was displayed on Wednesday

‘We were a little bit sceptical when it was hanging on the rack but now that it’s on, I like it,’ Tilly Kearns, a water polo player, said. ‘It’s quite preppy. It’s not often that you get to feel feminine as an athlete.’

The athletes will also wear white Dunlop Volley sneakers. 

‘We’re usually super casual in our sport,’ 16-year-old breakdancer Jeff Dunne said.

‘It’s baggy pants, fitted shirts and really shiny shoes. I would definitely wear the T-shirt and I quite like the gold around the belt, but this is too smart.’