Women's Speedo 'Sydney 2000 Olympic Games' bikini
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1996
Object numberV00044735
NameSwimsuit
MediumPolyester
DimensionsOverall: 255 x 340 mm, 61.04 g
Clothing size: 12
Clothing size: 12
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black Speedo sports bikini, produced for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, features red side panels and Racerback shoulder straps, together with black side panels printed with the text 'AUS' and an outlined map of Australia. The briefs have been printed with the Speedo logo, and have a white drawstring waist. The Sydney 2000 Olympic logo, Australian flag, and the text 'Australia' have been printed on the centre of the top.
HistoryLicensees endorsed by the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) produced a full range of apparel, collectibles, and other merchandise related to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, all sporting the official Olympic Games logo.
SOCOG endeavored to support Australian-based companies and Australian-made products, and opened several Olympic Stores to sell the range of official merchandise. Due to the licensee’s initial success in Australia, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SOCOG extended the program to international markets, making official Sydney 2000 Olympic Games products available in over 100 countries.
Products first became available through retailers in 1997. The Sydney Olympic Games took place between 13 September and 10 October 2000. Marketing rights for officially endorsed products ceased in December of that year.SignificanceThe functional style of the sports bikini, first introduced in the early 1990s, is recognisable as the uniform worn by competitive beach volley ball players. Also worn by competitive and recreational swimmers, this bikini is a representative example of officially licensed merchandise produced for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games by Speedo in Australia. An original retail tag is attached to the garment.