Ode to Olympic Spandex

About a week ago, I gave you my thoughts on the US' various team uniforms .  I was PARTICULARLY excited about the leotards that the women's gymnastics team would be donning: I've watched every event so far, and am currently streaming the team finals, and these BEAUTIFUL flag-inspired leos have yet to make an appearance?  WHAT GIVES?! Here we have the leotards the women wore for podium training.  It's cute that the pink spandex matches the pink gym, but honestly it's a little much.  The starburst detail is OK. Two nights ago, amidst the drama of reigning World Champion Jordyn Wieber not qualifying for the All Around finals, the gymnasts competed in these blue/purple leotards.  Notice the starburst detail?  THEY ARE THE SAME LEOTARD IN A DIFFERENT COLOR!!!  Have we reached the end of originality? Now, as I sit here streaming the team finals (which I will watch again tonight during an Olympics viewing party I am hosting), I ha...

While tennis spandex is traditionally relegated to the women, I'd like to take a moment to appreciate how the sport supports, and really celebrates the wearing of the almighty sweatband. Juan Martin Del Potro, ARG David Nalbandian, ARG Roger Federer, SUI Roger Federer (practice), SUI It should also be noted that NBCOlympics.com has an entire album devoted to Men's Tennis Fist Pumps . Photos: http://www.nbcolympics.com/photos/tennis/day-one-littered-with-upsets.html http://www.nbcolympics.com/photos/tennis/tennis-players-hit-the-practice-courts.html

Here's a fun fact- I played volleyball for 7 years while in school.  Admittedly, it was middle and high school.  And we weren't very good.  And I spent most of my time on the bench.  But when I sat on that bench, I did it in spandex. Anyway, because I actually know how this sport works, I generally enjoy watching it.  I am currently taking in the USA vs South Korea game and have a few things to note. 1.  I NEED to get my hands on the South Korean shorts.  I am a general supporter of all spandex apparel, but I am especially fond of the spandex short (this likely stems from the time I spent playing volleyball).  The detail on the butt is GLORIOUS! 2.  Most unfortunate name of the match (and probably the whole Olympics, but it's too early to call): Destinee Hooker .  I hope that her athletic prowess overshadowed her name growing up.  If not, LOOK WHERE SHE IS NOW, BITCHES!!! Whilst writing this post, Team USA de...

We're SO CLOSE!!!  Granted, this is London time.  In the US, NBC will be broadcasting the Opening Ceremony of the XXX Olympiad at 7:30 pm.  If you are elsewhere in the world, refer to local channel guides.  If you don't have a TV, or won't be home during this time period but still want to watch, you are in LUCK!   NBCOlympics.com will be airing live feeds of not only tonight's Opening Ceremony, but sporting events throughout the next 17 days.  You can watch online, or on an assortment of mobile devices. I'll be live tweeting my thoughts (@OlympicSpandex) until about 8:30 PST when I need to take a quick break and meet some Israeli teens at the airport (which feels very Olympic in spirit).  But fear not, I'll be back to blogging and posting pictures of the best and worst of the 2012 Opening Ceremony. We also have some exciting things coming up, so stay tuned!!!! Rings:  https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.4...

So this morning I have been watching Men's Soccer, and switching between UAE (United Arab Emirates) vs. URU (Uruguay) and GAB (Gabon) vs. SUI (Switzerland), but I keep coming back to the latter due to some EPIC hairstyling. These are the two really standout hair styles of the event, but members on each team are remarkably well-coiffed.  There is a lot of styling gel out on the field today! P.S. Twitter seems to be down (or it is down on my phone, iPad, and computer), so my apologies if you are eagerly awaiting more @OlympicSpandex tweets! P.P.S. Take a look at these AWESOME Swiss fans: Photos: Screenshots of streaming feed from  http://www.nbcolympics.com/liveextra/video-watch.html?video=mens-group-a-united-arab-emirates-vs-uruguay

Synchronized Swimming. Where can I get that swimsuit???

Ok.  I don't know why I was unaware of this before.  I feel like what few credentials I have for my self-appointed role as Olympic Fashion Correspondent are nearly shot because I did not understand the depth of glory associated with Rhythmic Gymnastics. THIS IS WHERE IT IS AT, PEOPLE!!!  My dad sent me this article from Stylist.com , showcasing leotards throughout Olympic history.  I'll post best and worst later, but I was so taken by the Rhythmic Gymnastics pictures that I had to let you all know. Photo:  http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/240323/slide_240323_1265377_free.jpg

Admittedly, soccer uniforms are not made of spandex.  However, I am just THAT excited that Olympic competition has already begun (Soccer and Archery start today, even though the Opening Ceremony is not for two more days). A few posts back, you might remember the Where's Waldo-esque uniforms the American women were sporting.  Those are apparently NOT the uniforms they will be playing in over the next few weeks. First, let me apologize for how awkward these photos are.  Since we've only reached halftime (game is currently tied 2-2), there are no pictures on the internet yet.  So I had to screenshot the streaming feed from NBCOlympics.com . Now on to my thoughts.  I like the red/white/blue detailing around the neck.  It reminds me of those cheap fake medals you can get for small children.  The US women are favored to win gold, so maybe that is a subtle hint at that.  Here's where I have an issue.  Looking straight on, and particularl...

The last time the Olympics were held in London was 1948.  Earlier today, the New York Times put out a fantastic photo essay of American athletes who competed in these games .  Spandex-wise, it seems that for the 1948 games there was a near across-the-board theme of blue or red (hard to tell from a black and white photo) right to left diagonal stripes on a white background.  Simple, classic. Photos: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/sports/20120722-olympics-1948/old/600/Bakanic01.jpg and  http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/sports/20120722-olympics-1948/old/600/Griffing02.jpg

I'm weak.  Very weak.  I see "spoilers" and I can't look away.  Today SFGate.com posted an article containing some major spoilers for Friday's Opening Ceremony.  Reading about it is obviously much different that experiencing the full visual wonder, but be advised- read the following article at your own risk! Olympic opener will be spectacular but not secret | SFGate.com

Last week NBC Olympics was kind enough to give a visual history of leotards of Olympics past .  As tends to be the case, NBC Olympics and I have differing views on Olympic spandex. Sydney, 2000 For being from 2000, these look INCREDIBLY retro (not to mention the photo quality makes it look like 1962).  I'm not sure if this is retro in a good way, or a bad way.  I'm just not overly impressed and think we can do better. Los Angeles, 1984 NBC Olympics was hating on these, but I am SO into this leotard.  I think the bias flag is very flattering on the butt, and the visual interest on the front is stellar.  I don't blame them for the high-cut leg, this was 1984 after all.  A precedent had been set. Seoul , 1988 Ugh, SO BORING.  No wonder the US only took home one medal (bronze, balance beam) this year.  The judges probably zoned out during all the routines because there was nothing awesome to focus on. Athens, 2004 I agree here w...

Earlier this week, NBC Olympics posted this article with their thoughts on some of the 2012 team uniforms.  I'll look past the fact that they are encroaching on my fashion policing space, because they do have some good points.  However, my personal thoughts differ slightly and that is why I am bringing them to you here (plus, I know you would rather read what I have to say than NBC Olympics).  5 days to London 2012!!!! Women's Soccer NBC Olympics is oddly into this homage to "Where's Waldo?"  While a nice shout-out to host city, London ("Where's Waldo," originally published as "Where's Wally?" was created by British illustrator Martin Handford), I would prefer something with a little more pizzazz.  Points deducted for lack of spandex, too. Men's Basketball I am admittedly intrigued by the mid-leg positioning of what appear to be spandex leg warmers, as well as the addition of elbow pads to the sport.  I do appreciate the ...

Team USA has some serious red/white/blue spandex to contend with.  This preview of the French Olympic team uniforms has set the bar high for gymnasts world wide.  I particularly appreciate the multiple primary color options (I'm a ginge- sometimes I have trouble with red, and having blue as an option is super considerate), not to mention the subtle sparkle accents on the white.  It's hard to tell from this picture, but it appears that they have leotard coordinating scrunchies, too.  Props. I would, however, like to know more about the SUPER sparkly number in the background (right).  What part of the Olympics is that going to be a part of, because I DEFINITELY want to be there. Photo:  http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1118883.1342820822!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_635/french-olympic-team-uniforms.jpg

If you have been following this blog, or my life, you will know how much the Spice Girls mean to me, to the history of spandex, and to the increased awesomeness of the Olympics.  According to NBC Bay Area, Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger, and Posh will reunite once again for the Closing Ceremonies.  Real talk, I'll believe it when I see it.  But in the meantime, I will eagerly count down the days until my Brit pop loves grace the world stage once again (24 days, in case you wanted to get in on this action too). Spice Girls Will Reunite for London Olympics: Report | NBC Bay Area : P.S. Click here to read about the upcoming SPICE GIRLS MUSICAL, "Viva Forever"!!!!! Photo:  http://sinceyouaskedmyopinion.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/spicegirls.jpg

To prepare myself for the games of the XXX Olympiad, I have been brushing up on coverage of Olympics past.  Just over a week out from the Opening Ceremonies of London 2012, I bring you seven minutes of Today Show gold from Beijing 2008.  Enjoy.

Maybe "takes over" is a bit much, but we've finally caught up with the times and made our official debut on Twitter moments ago. Be sure to follow us @olympicspandex for up to the minute reactions to all the spandex summer will soon spring upon us.

First awful photographs, now pole dancing as a possible Olympic sport in 2016?  Imagine the incredible spandex possibilities!!! Pole Dancing: The Olympic Sport?? | FitPerez.com Photo:  http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/issues/2011-february/pole-dancing--dance-web.jpg

As the 2012 London Olympics draw ever closer, the media heats up, and scandal comes out.  Today's spandex scandal is brought to you by photographer Joe Klamar and his less than ideal athlete portraits.  Enjoy the spandex, and the awkward. Olympic Portraits: 'Stunning'? Or 'An Embarrassment'? | Photos - ABC News So uncomfortable... Photo:   http://blogs.afp.com/english/public/.000_Was6468675_m.jpg