By Nick Butler

Russian athletes parade in their Sochi 2014 uniforms at the unveiling in Red Square ©BoscoSportDecember 26 - Host nation Russia has become the latest country to unveil its team uniforms for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi with a special ceremony in Moscow's Red Square.


With a large red "RU" emblazoned on the chest of the team tracksuits, as well as on the bobble hats to be used by mountain athletes, the kit was hailed as "bright and recognsable" by Russian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov.

Speaking at the launch Zhukov, who was elected an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member earlier this year, added that "there was continuity with the uniforms from past Olympics, and there's quality - the athletes who tested the gear noticed that."

He also expressed his hope that the new uniforms "will be lucky and bring success for our team in Sochi".

Russian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov poses with his athletes ©BoscoSportRussian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov poses with his athletes ©BoscoSport


In total the kit includes 56 pieces of equipment and 46 accessories with designers preparing four different sets of uniform - for the Opening Ceremony, the Awards Ceremony and official receptions as well as those designated for daily wear.

As with Russia's uniform at London 2012, the kit was produced by clothing firm Bosco Sport, with the companies founder Mikhail Kusnirovich claiming the contract would be worth around $100 million (£72.4 million/€60.6 million) in revenue. 

While the daily wear kit will be particularly distinctive, the Opening Ceremony uniform, consisting of black and burgundy velvet blazers with a Russian crest, will be more subdued.

Russia kit's kit for Sochi 2014 is less garish than the one at London 2012 but is still distnictive ©BoscoSportRussia kit's kit for Sochi 2014 is less garish than the one at London 2012 but is still distinctive ©BoscoSport

It is notable overall that the uniform is more toned down than that for London 2012, where the red-and-white swirled costumes that made several publications' picks for the worst of London 2012's wear, while the kit will also be less vibrant than that worn by some other participants.

This includes Germany after they unveiled bright yellow and blue duffle-coats as part of their kit launch in October.