'We are not a team' - Rai Benjamin agrees with Tara Davis-Woodhall on why track & field athletes need to embrace individuality

Rai Benjamin agrees with Tara Davis-Woodhall on the need for individual identity in the sport

'We are not a team' - Rai Benjamin agrees with Tara Davis-Woodhall on why track & field athletes need to embrace individuality

Stephen Awino 17:24 - 03.01.2025

Olympian Rai Benjamin is of the same opinion with Tara Davis-Woodhall of embracing individual identity, especially in athletics wear.

American Olympian Rai Benjamin has joined fellow athlete Tara Davis-Woodhall in advocating for individuality in track and field, emphasizing the need for athletes to embrace their unique identities both on and off the track.

In a recent episode of Beyond the Records, Davis-Woodhall shared her transformative journey to signing with Lululemon, a deal that not only allowed her to break barriers but also to express her creativity through custom-designed athletics wear.

"I'm not a traditional person; we're not traditional at all, so we always wanted to go a different route," Davis-Woodhall reflected.

"Coming out of college, everyone kept asking, 'Who do you want to sign with?' and I was like, 'I want to sign with Lululemon.' They told me, 'That's impossible, Lululemon doesn't sign track athletes.' But I was determined."

Her determination paid off in an unexpected turn of events. After initially signing with Champion, a notable brand in its own right, Davis-Woodhall’s persistence and vision materialized when her agents approached her with an offer from Lululemon.

“I didn’t even care about the price. It was a dream come true," she said. "All my dreams of being a professional athlete designing my uniform started coming true.”

Davis-Woodhall's experience highlights a shift in how athletes view their role in the sport, not just as competitors but as individuals with creative identities.

Benjamin, another prominent figure in track and field, echoed her sentiments. He pointed out a fundamental issue in the sport, highlighting its resistance to change and individuality.

“This is what's wrong with track today" Benjamin remarked. "It's almost like we're all just one flock. But it's an individual sport! My issue is, why are we all wearing the same thing? We look like a team, but we're not a team."

"The fact that you guys, as creative individuals, have that opportunity to, you know, do your own thing with your uniform, that's huge. It's super huge," he added.

Benjamin’s support underscores a growing call within the track and field community for athletes to redefine how they present themselves.

The partnership between Davis-Woodhall and Lululemon serves as a beacon for others looking to step outside traditional boundaries and showcase their individuality.