Photo: Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is outfitting Team USAfor its ninthOlympics and Paralympics since 2008.
“Just being a part of the Team USA spirit is so special,” he says. “The 2008 Olympics was the first-ever Summer Olympics that I remember watching as a kid. The images of the opening ceremony and everyone decked out in Ralph Lauren are what sticks with me.”
Though he failed to qualify for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, Brown, 26, is determined more than ever to make the 2022 team and wear Ralph Lauren once again.
Ralph Lauren
Applauding the brand’s steps towards sustainability, Brown says the ensemble allows Team USA stars to “not only look good, but also feel good” about what they’re representing.
“It’s incredible to work with a brand that is environmentally friendly. I definitely think it’s really important. I love the fact that all of the products are made in the United States, that’s really special. Especially with the Olympics, when you’re representing your country, you want to not only look good, but you want to feel good. You want what you’re wearing to represent who you are entirely,” he says.
Another thing that is crucial for winter athletes is staying warm.
Brown says he actually still rocks his 2014 Sochi Ralph Lauren attire from time to time.
“I have some in Toronto with me in my closet that I wear when I train. And then there’s some back at home in Chicago in my room. They are so near and dear to my heart,” he says. “Having that opportunity to represent the country, but then also be in the gear, it’s something that has been on my mind since I was a little kid. To get to do that is really, really special.”
Brown adds: “Ralph Lauren is synonymous with the Olympics and also synonymous with America. I really do believe that and I really do feel that. It’s a form of uniform and form of unity. All athletes from around the country, we all represent the same country. We’re all there doing the sports that we love at the peak of our athletic careers in front of the biggest stage. Getting to do that with Team USA on our chest, on our back, the [Olympic] rings, the polo pony, it’s really special.”
Team USA rosters are usually announced between December and January after the completion of national championships.
“That would be the dream. Step one, I got to rep [the closing ceremony uniform] in the photo shoot. Step two is get to wear them in action,” Brown says of making the U.S. figure skating team.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. Watch the Winter Olympics, beginning this February, and the Winter Paralympics, beginning this March, on NBC.
source: people.com
