(Editor's Note: Philadelphia area sports writer Ben Horrow contributes weekly to Authentically Speaking.)
By Ben Horrow
The opening ceremony for the 2012 London Summer Olympics was spectacular to say the least. Great Britain did its best to top the opening ceremony at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Directed by Danny Boyle, the ceremony consisted of Mary Poppins, James Bond, and of course, the Queen.
The United States showed up wearing very preppy looking uniforms made, once again, by Ralph Lauren. The uniforms consisted of sports jackets and ties with blue berets, white pants for gentlemen, white skirts for ladies, and white shoes for both men and women. These uniforms are similar to those worn by USA participants in the 2008 Summer Olympics, also designed by Ralph Lauren.
Interestingly, the Gap/Old Navy franchise has received rights and thus pushed forward with a retro set of Olympics clothing. The clothing, mostly shirts referring to past Olympics, is dubbed “Olympic Vintage T’s” and can be found at your local Gap retailer.
The Olympic committee strongly prohibits the use of its symbols or property, without express consent from the IOC. The rules regarding clothing worn during Olympic events is monitored very closely both for possibilities of advantages gained due to certain apparel, such as the swimsuits worn in the 2004 Olympics when multiple record were broken in the same games.
In addition, the women in beach volleyball are allowed to wear clothing other than their scantily clad bikinis if the temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Another note, the female Saudi Arabian contestant was granted special permission by the IOC to wear a headscarf during competition, a garb not usually allowed during competition.
++++++++++
Authentic Store Buzz: A couple of new Phillies and Eagles hats in the store (pictured above), including “The Tymes” Phillies vintage style hat from American Needle, featuring a leather sweatband and back-strap with a brass buckle.
+++++++++
Authentically Speaking Trivia Time: Speaking of Phillies hats, what year did the team wear this model? Answer on Monday.
Thursday’s answer: The Chicago Bears first placed the famous wishbone “C” on their helmets in 1962. They then added orange to the “C” for the 1973 season.
++++++++++
A Reminder: For more news about Pro League Authentics and thoughts on the world of sports uniforms, Like our Facebook page, converse with us @PLAphilly, and visit our YouTube page.
