Several female athletes have taken aim at a leotard uniform unveiled by Nike as part of a launch event for its Olympic kit last week. The leotard features a high-cut panty line that has sparked a wave of criticism from US athletes past and present. Former US 5,000m national champion Lauren Fleshman slammed the design in an Instagram post, saying it was unfit for competition.

"Professional athletes should be able to compete without devoting brain space to constant pube vigilance or the mental gymnastics of displaying every vulnerable part of your body," Fleshman wrote.

Meanwhile, US long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall signalled her confusion in a comment under a social media post by athletics media outlet Citius that featured the designs. "Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out," said the reigning world indoor long jump champion.

United States Track and Field (USATF) said in a statement to AFP on Sunday that the uniforms unveiled by Nike are two of many that will be available to athletes competing in Paris. "These Team USA track and field uniforms are just two of many options, including 50 unique pieces, that athletes will be able to choose from for the upcoming Olympic Games," stressed the organisation.

US sprint star and 100m world champion Sha'Carri Richardson attended the Nike launch event in Paris on Thursday wearing a version of the kit that included shorts. The USATF added that athletes were also consulted in the development of the Olympic uniforms. "Athlete options and choices have been the driving force for USATF in the planning process with Nike," the federation said.

"USATF is also aware that Nike consulted with athletes throughout the design process to ensure that all athletes are comfortable and that the uniforms are well suited for their respective events," it concluded. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment.