There's growing controversy in the US over the official uniforms to be worn by the country's Olympic athletes, when they arrive for London 2012. While the designs are by Ralph Lauren, the actual outfits were made in China. As CCTV correspondent Nina Edwards reports, it's sparking some considerable criticism, amid high US unemployment.
Ralph Lauren, a brand whose fashion is inspired by classic American style, seemed the logical choice to dress the United States Olympic team, bound for London. The designer's son David Lauren proudly unveiled the uniforms on America's top rated morning news show. But the fanfare quickly ended when three words really touched a nerve: Made in China.
With US unemployment hovering just above 8%, it's a fact that has drawn severe criticism from some key US lawmakers.
Harry Reid, Senator, said, "I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again."
Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader, said, "And they should be wearing uniforms that are made in America."
Chuck Schumer, New York Senator, said, "Whatever the reason the Olympic Committee should be ashamed of themselves, learn the error of their ways and do an about face right now."
Some U-S senators say next week they will introduce legislation requiring ceremonial uniforms worn by American Olympic athletes be made in the U-S. Meanwhile, the US Olympic Committee says it's simply too late to change this year's uniforms.
"I consider it an embarrassment."
"Does not make sense to me, this is an American team, we should do everything in the U-S."
And, as London makes last minute preparations for the games, the Ralph Lauren Company says the uniforms it provides the US Olympic team at the 2014 Winter Games in Russia, will, in fact, be made in America.