ASICS and AOC unveil uniforms for Tokyo

The ASICS uniforms to be worn by Australia’s athletes at the Tokyo Olympics have been revealed as anticipation build towards the Games.

Despite being unable to attend the official launch in Sydney, Kookaburras co-captain and ASICS ambassador Eddie Ockenden displayed the new hockey uniform in Perth.

Ockenden, who turns 34 on Saturday, is attempting to be selected to compete at his fourth Olympic Games.

The Kookaburras’ games record holder could not speak highly enough of the ASICS hockey uniform, designed purposely for the hot and humid environment expected to greet the athletes in Tokyo.

“The uniform is so specifically built for the Tokyo conditions,” said Ockenden.

“It is so light and easy to wear. The colour is great and it was so exciting to put the uniform on and imagine wearing it at the Olympics.

In developing the uniform, the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) considered the heat and humidity which athletes will face in Tokyo and developed a cooling print, strategically placed mesh and technical fabrics to overcome the conditions.

The cooling print is applied to the interior of garments and causes a cooling sensation upon contact with sweat. The raised print creates a gap between the skin and the fabric so that the garment does not stick to the athlete, enabling air flow.

With the Olympics under four months away, Ockenden said events like the uniform unveiling gives a realisation that ‘go time’ is not far away.

“When you see the uniform and launch events like this, especially when last 12 months have been so quiet, it gives you inspiration to keep training and working hard,” said Ockenden.

“You love seeing the uniform. Seeing Australian Olympic kits at any time is special and you really cherish it, so seeing it officially unveiled and having other people see it is really cool.”

Ockenden and the Kookaburras continue to train in Perth with no sight yet on if or when their next international match will come from.

Despite the lack of internationals (the Kookaburras have not played one since 7 March 2020), the dual World Cup winner, dual Olympic bronze medallist and 2019 Kookaburra Player of the Year says the squad is progressing well.

“We’re doing really well and in a good spot,” said Ockenden.

“Training has been building in intensity and the guys are really motivated and excited about the months ahead.”

View the Australian Olympic Team replica range.