Team GB Uniform Reaction; Tokyo 2020 Addition; Generations for Peace First

Reaction to TeamGB Uniforms

The initial verdicts are in for TeamGB’s kit at the 2012 Olympics, and so far Stella McCartney isn’t winning any gold for her work.

Writing in a blog on The Independent’s website, Tom Peck calls the designs "bonkersness."

"The giant figure hugging Union Flag, in the wrong colors, is disconcertingly tight even as it wraps around the stomach of England international Jack Rodwell," he wrote. "Picture, if you dare, that thick navy central band stretched across the midriff of your average football supporter.

"But be not afraid. It is a vision you are unlikely to see. They will have to buy it first. They won’t."

He added the design is in the running for "worst kit" ever.

Among British sport fans, many seemed upset that the color red was largely absent from the design since red is a primary color in the Union Jack – from which McCartney says she was inspired.

"Disgraceful. What exactly does the light blue represent?" posted one commentor on the British Olympic Association Facebook page.

"If there wasn't "Great Britain" across the top, I'm not sure I would be able to guess which country they're from," a post on Adidas’ Facebook page read.

"Hideous. Just strengthens the case for Scottish Independence! Britain is neither great nor united," another read.

"I hope your career suffers badly due to what is basically just an ego trip of yours, how dare you re-design the Union flag," one unhappy Brit posted on McCartney’s page.

Her response?

"Thank you for your great points on the Team GB kit," she said via Twitter. "My intention was to keep the language and strength of the Union Flag, but to use it in a more delicate way. If you look at the history of Team GB kits, it is the most prominent use of the flag and the color red since 1984. It's not a conventional way of looking at the flag, but one still interprets it as the Union flag."

Tokyo 2020 Taps Social Media Head

Olympic synchronized swimmer Ayano Egami is the latest addition to the Tokyo 2020 campaign.

The silver medalist from Sydney 2000 joins the bid committee as its fulltime head of online and social media.

"It is essential that our bid draws on the wisdom of former athletes," said Tsunekazu Takeda, president of both Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Olympic Committee.

"Their passion for sport and their knowledge of the Olympic Movement are a crucial part of what we represent. The presence of Ayano Egami on our team immediately enhances our Tokyo 2020 bid and the messages we will communicate to the world."

Egami previously served in a strategic role for last year’s Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Toyko and coaches young synchronized swimmers, including two Olympic hopefuls for London.

Generations for Peace Opens First Advanced Training

A total of 29 "pioneers" are in Amman, Jordan this weekend as part of Generations for Peace’s first-ever Advanced Training Program.

The four-day course includes lessons on peace building, advocacy and partnerships as well as monitoring and evaluation techniques needed for the pioneers to better implement projects in communities facing conflict.

"You are here with us today because you are 29 of the very best pioneers we have around the world," Generations for Peace founder and chairman Prince Feisal Al Hussein told them Thursday.

"We recognize your experience and your skills."

Generations for Peace has to date trained 578 volunteer youth leaders from 48 countries and territories as well as touched the lives of more than 75,000 children, according to the IOC member and NOC president from Jordan.

Media Watch

The past success of the Italian men’s volleyball team may be hurting its current performance.

The Associated Press reports on indigenous Brazilians squatting next to Rio’s Maracana Stadium and their forced move due to the Games.

Written by Ed Hula III.

20 Years at #1: