Former Olympian supports ‘Made In China’ attire

A former Olympian believes the controversy “Made in China” garments that will be worn by Team USA during opening ceremonies in London is much ado about nothing.

Eli Bremer wore a similar jacket during opening ceremonies in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. It was also furnished and manufactured by the same corporate sponsor, Ralph Lauren, providing this year’s garments.

“You’re just thinking how proud you are to compete for the U.S. and you’re proud to compete for the supporters of the U.S.,” said Bremer.

Bremer believed the focus should be on the athletes at this time and supporting their hard work.

“I think there’s a lot of people trying to score political points off of it, but at the end of the day Ralph Lauren has been a great supporter of the U.S. Olympic movement,” said Bremer.

The United States Olympic Committee released a statement regarding the garment controversy.

“The U.S. Olympic Team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company,” read the statement.

KRDO Newschannel 13 also talked with several T-shirt company owners in Colorado Springs. One wasn’t surprised by the move. Juli (last name withheld), with Graffiti’s, said the United States Olympic Committee rarely shops local for clothes. She said local businesses occasionally get requests for bids on orders but the U.S.O.C. normally goes with an online retailer.

Juli adds that a union-made shirt manufactured in the United States can cost $5 to $12 more per garment.

Diane Webb of Rainy Day Studios said many people upset by the move don’t realize that because this is a global economy making USA only gear is extremely hard. Webb said though clothes may be made in America, the cotton grown for that garment may come from elsewhere to save on costs.