The 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games' Opening Ceremony is less than one month away and it's going to be damn cold in South Korea with temperatures expected to dip well below freezing. With almost all of the medal ceremonies being held outdoors, the exception being ice hockey, it's essential that the Olympians are outfitted properly.
As a result, Nike has today unveiled the winter-ready gear that Team USA's medal-winning men and women will wear when they stand on the podium to receive the gold, silver or bronze.
Nike and the U.S. Olympic Committee provided the "Today" show with a first look at the special edition apparel, which includes the Team USA Hypershield Summit Jacket. According to Today, the insulated outerwear features a waterproof shell that blocks wind and rain, as well as built-in knitted hand warmers attached to the sleeve. Additionally, the lightweight but warm coat also comes with a removable bomber jacket. Both the men’s and women’s pants have a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that will help athletes stay dry on the podium.
Nike also designed Nike designed boots for the men and women medal-winners, both of which can withstand frigid temperatures. The boots are similar, but the women’s are slightly higher and feature built-in heat reflective material.
Lastly, according to Today, Nike has created special waterproof gloves featuring touch-screen compatible thumb and forefingers- just in case the athletes need to access their phone for a tweet or selfie.
The Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 9th, but Nike’s Team USA Medal Stand Collection will be available to buy online and in select stores starting January 15.