Women's Speedo Sydney 2000 Olympic Games bikini
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1996
Object number00044735
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 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.
SOCOG endeavored to support Australian based companies and Australian made products, and opened Olympic Stores to sell the range of official merchandise. Due to the licensee’s initial success in local markets, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SOCOG extended the programme to international markets, making official Sydney 2000 Olympic Games products available in more than 100 countries.
Products were available through retailers from 1997. Marketing rights for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ceased in December 2000, from which time merchandise was no longer produced.SignificanceThe functional style of the sports bikini was first introduced in the early 1990s, and has been worn by competitive and recreational swimmers, as well as beach volley ball players. This bikini is a representative example of officially licensed merchandise produced for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games by Speedo in Australia.