Throwing Gear Query | ie. elite Nike kit

Pete, because Nike is an official USATF sponsor, I am sure these were part of the official 2012 US Olympians' gear, but I may be wrong, I'm not big on sponsors, as I'm not seeking any til I absolutely need them (I think a week-long road trip to LA for O-trials will be a blast, I've done NYC-to-Seattle in 52hrs straight, lol).

Like I said, it was a guess, not sure who he threw for

You will find them pop up on eBay every so often. Usually they are from a year or two ago but new. Also you will have to pay a pretty penny for them ($60-100 USD) for a singlet so you may want to rethink that unless you really, really want one.

Also you can find other companies singlets and tights for a lot cheaper as well. I bought an Asics elite jersey and tights for about $50 online.

The vests and uniform that you see are the Nike elite competition race kits. Each sponsor has a race day kit for it's elite athletes. This is done for the purpose of advertising the brand on television. It seems quite silly that the consumer can't purchase this gear but you can not. Some of the shoes that go with the uniforms make it to the mainstream market but that is it. Many of the ones they send us as a protoype or as a match for our uniforms never are available to the general public. Sorry

Quote from Jason Young

The vests and uniform that you see are the Nike elite competition race kits. Each sponsor has a race day kit for it's elite athletes. This is done for the purpose of advertising the brand on television. It seems quite silly that the consumer can't purchase this gear but you can not. Some of the shoes that go with the uniforms make it to the mainstream market but that is it. Many of the ones they send us as a protoype or as a match for our uniforms never are available to the general public. Sorry

Same with the shoes, right? Last year or two Nike outfitted their elites with unique throwing shoes. Even more unique for the Olympic medalists. I'm wondering about the 2014 shoes.

Hi Norm. Yes, shoes are the same...what's funny is that we get the kits around this time of year. They are usually made available before Penn and Drake Relays for television. I have a drawn blueprint of what the new uniform will be like and colors.

We will typically get all shoes and sometimes there will be multiple per year. I really don't think there is much organization to this besides the timing. In 2012 I got three different color schemes of shoes and a couple prototypes of different soles and things they were testing. I have a set of custom shoes and that can be done but usually takes a bit.

One interesting thing that was learned is that different mixtures of color in the soles will yield a different grip, wear duration and wear type on shoe soles. This also may be the reason that the general public doesn't get all the options. The blue Nike throwing shoes with blue soles wear smooth but are highly susceptible to chipping. The application of color can essentially change the way a sole functions...

The minute nike tells me I have to wear a tight uncomfortable spandex suit for a meager $50k/yr stipend is the day I walk off the field... F$&@ the kit.

Quote from Odysseus

The minute nike tells me I have to wear a tight uncomfortable spandex suit for a meager $50k/yr stipend is the day I walk off the field... F$&@ the kit.

$50k? one may not need to make that decision until they're over 22,50m.

most guys starting out are wearing it virtually for free

Lol...yeah my comp best is only 20.93m this last dec, but I'm looking for a meet to check in w reality late this spring, norm; maybe Empire State Games, if they bring them back. Practices are strong, but comps can be a different story(didn't throw over 21, which I've done a multitude of times practicing).Truth is, we've got ALOT of guys out there over 21m right now, so 21seems kinda nonchalant nowadays(maybe get sponsored for a training group at 21?).

Also, Not sure about sponsorship, maybe someone can address the ins and outs of sponsorships in another thread (generally speaking... I don't want to see peoples' contracts). 22.5m seems out there, but by no means impossible. But it's all a state of mind, 23.12m will fall this decade.

Anyhow, I'd take the shorts and a tshirt over the singlets. Personal preference. Maybe I'm just too old-school? Lol

Oh, and Jay...I don't care about free, brother. I'd rather be comfortable. And comfort for me isn't wearing the 'ninja-suit'...although ninjas are spiffy aren't they

I'm not saying you should.. I'm just saying that they don't pay everybody to wear it! Many people assume that. I do have to tell you that there are multiple uniforms types that you can wear. It can be as comfortable as shorts and a tshirt if you like. It just has to be the raceday kit. I have prefered to throw in the shorts or track pants msot fo my career. I prefer a loose feeling around the crotch! Usually Reese does the shorts....

I remember Adam Nelson talking about how much gear Reese wears when he throws! Never realized it until that moment but its true. I actually think we were watching this clip when the discussion came up. I think Adam proposed that everything on the ground was gear belonging to Reese. Talk about comfort!

Quote from Odysseus

Oh, and Jay...I don't care about free, brother. I'd rather be comfortable. And comfort for me isn't wearing the 'ninja-suit'...although ninjas are spiffy aren't they

Holy shit....lol, does it count if ur contract says to 'display' ...can you just kinda lay it out w the company's emblem showing or does it have to be WORN...? Aghh...I'll worry about that later. Wow, never thought one thrower would have that much gear, I know he likes toEAT but the clothes...I just like wearing what I feel comfy in

Shoes, tops (usually 3-4 choices), bottoms, long drifit shorts, short shorts, long tights, short tights, track pants...: do have to say personally, the USA team drifit T is better than the race kit T. Fits better! Better material

You must wear shoes and top for sure....no non nike logos.