Leotard Rankings: Paris Olympics

You asked, and we delivered. While we don’t typically cover elite gymnastics, we couldn’t help but get in on the fun in the best way we know how: with leotard rankings! The criteria is the same as during the college gymnastics season: Leos can earn up to three points for design, up to one point each for fabric, sparkle, patriotism, and uniqueness, and up to three points for overall appearance. Plus, for the Olympics, judges will be able to award a bonus point to any leo they feel is *gold medal worthy.*

United States (Event Final): 9.350

Jade Carey (Oregon State, vault)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.6	0.9	1.0	1.0	1.0	2.6	+1	10.1
The first thing I noticed was that this leotard photographed SO well. I love the share of blue on the bottom, the sparkle bomb and pattern of sparkles on the chest, and the subtle patriotism with the blue stars on the front and back and red and white stripes on the arms.
Naomi	2.0	0.9	0.9	1.0	0.9	2.0	0	7.7
This leotard has a superhero vibe that I really like. I love the design on the chest and the additions of red and white sparkles against the blue body of the leotard. The only thing I’m not sold on is the blue stars.
Julianna	2.2	0.7	0.9	1.0	0.9	2.5	+1	9.2
It’s giving superwoman and I’m here for it. I absolutely love the stars across the chest within the mesh, and I love that it continues across the back and arms. I really like the deep blue color and the patterning of the sparkles; this was such a beautiful leo to debut for so many big moments at these Games!
Tara	2.8	1.0	1.0	1.0	0.8	2.8	+1	10.4
This is easily one of my favorite leos of the Games. The sweetheart neckline going into the deep V works well and the use of red, white, and blue crystals paired with the blue bodice is exquisite. I love the pattern on the bodice and the blue stars work well without being overpowering.

United States (Qualifications): 9.167

Jade Carey (Oregon State), Jordan Chiles (UCLA), Sunisa Lee (Auburn)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.4	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	2.5	0	8.5
When I first saw this design, I was hesitant. I don’t like obvious displays of patriotism that much, especially when it comes to the stars on the U.S. flag. However, this was a leo that looked fantastic in action. The amount of sparkles really make it and it pares really well with the deep silver/navy body.
Naomi	2.5	0.9	1.0	0.9	1.0	2.7	+1	10.0
I’m going to stick my neck out and say that I LOVE this leo! Despite all the sparkle, it still feels light and athletic. I like the use of stars and the red, white and blue sparkles. The metallic body is perfect, and I think the whole leo is absolutely fantastic.
Julianna	2.5	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	2.5	+1	9.5
This is one of my favorites of the U.S. collection. I was unsure about how I felt at first with the size of the stars and the sparkle mesh, but in competition, this was definitely a wow.
Tara	2.5	0.8	1.0	0.8	0.9	2.7	+1	9.7
This is one of my favorites of the U.S. leo set. I’m obsessed with using the rhinestones to create stars in the negative space. The gray bodice works perfectly with the design, too.
Sophie	2.8	0.9	1.0	0.8	0.9	2.8	0	9.2
I have been obsessed with this leo since it was revealed, and it looked even more incredible on camera. The stars cut out of the rhinestones are so unique and beautiful.
Peri	2.4	0.7	1.0	0.8	0.9	2.3	0	8.1
I was nervous seeing it in photos, but quickly ate my words seeing it in motion. The metallic body being slightly blue helps give this leo that extra bit of dimension, and it plays quite nicely with the tricolor sparkles.

Romania (Qualifications): 8.284

Lilia Cosman (Michigan State)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.5	0.9	0.8	0.9	0.8	2.5	+1	9.4
Love! The subtle side ombre of the Romanian flag is so clever and reminds me of the retro white Oregon State leo from this past season, which was also one of my favorites. Absolutely fantastic here from Romania, especially compared to what we saw in the team final.
Naomi	2.6	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	2.4	0	8.3
I blinked and thought this was a pride leo. Then I blinked again and fell in love. I love the subtle sparkle neckline in the Romanian colors, the design on the sides, and the way the colors pop on the black. It’s subtle and classy, which I love to see from Romania.
Julianna	2.5	0.8	0.7	1.0	0.8	2.5	+1	9.3
This is beautiful! I didn’t notice the incorporation of the flag on the sides until this photo, but this is such a unique leo. This is the perfect ‘comeback’ leo for this team, and I just love a black leo in general so this is definitely a favorite.
Tara	1.8	0.5	0.7	0.8	0.7	1.6	0	6.1
The sides are my favorite part of this—so cool! I love the idea of having the colored crystals on the front, but they almost blend into the black bodice.
Sophie	2.5	0.8	0.7	0.9	0.8	2.5	0	8.2
I’m obsessed with the Romanian flag on the sides! Such a creative and classy design.
Peri	2.5	0.8	0.8	1.0	0.8	2.5	0	8.4
I’m really hoping that the side stripes are a nod to the 1976 Romanian team leo! It’s a classy athletic touch, and helps hide the transition from lycra to mesh.

Canada (Team Final): 8.233

Cassie Lee (Iowa), Shallon Olsen (Alabama), Ava Stewart (Minnesota), Aurélie Tran (Iowa)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.5	0.8	0.7	1.0	0.7	2.5	+1	9.2
This was one of my favorite leotards of the team final. I love the ombre. I love the maple leaves. I love the simplicity of the cut. Yes, Canada!
Naomi	2.5	0.7	0.7	1.0	0.7	2.5	0	8.1
Full points for patriotism again, but this time in the best way possible. This is classic Canada, and I love it.
Julianna	2.5	0.8	0.8	1.0	0.5	2.5	0	8.1
I love this! There is just enough going on with the red maple leaves going down the sides, and the sole leaf on the chest. I like that the white is contained to the top of the leotard, and the shade of red chosen is not too bright, but perfect for this leo.
Tara	2.3	0.8	0.6	1.0	0.7	2.4	0	7.8
Did you think we were escaping the Games without a classic Canada red and white maple leaf design? I love the ombre paired with the leaves.
Sophie	2.0	0.6	0.6	1.0	0.7	2.0	0	6.9
Again, not my favorite Canada leotard, but they always find a way to incorporate the maple leaf in a fun and unique way.
Peri	2.6	0.9	0.6	1.0	0.7	2.5	+1	9.3
Each cycle gets one leo that feels the most “Captain Canuck”, and this checks that box no doubt. The leaves have nice depth without looking too maroon or pink, and hit a nice balance between abstract and realistic to not crowd the design.

Philippines: 7.988

Aleah Finnegan (LSU), Emma Malabuyo (UCLA), Levi-Jung-Ruivivar (Stanford)

View images of the front of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.2	0.8	0.7	0.8	0.6	2.2	+1	8.3
This is one of the best designs of the Games for me. The ombre is lovely, especially with that color combo, and I think the design is simple but flattering. Perfect for the Philippines on this big stage!
Naomi	2.5	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	2.5	0	8.1
What a simple yet gorgeous leotard for the Philippines! I love that the sparkles are yellow, adding that extra patriotic flair. The ombre is spot on and the design looked great on all three gymnasts.
Julianna	2.5	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.5	2.5	0	8.0
I love this! This is such a beautiful, elegant leotard that really made all three of these athletes shine in their Olympic debuts for the Philippines! I love the super sparkly top juxtaposed to the clean blue bottom of the leo. I think this is perfect for the Philippines on this stage.
Tara	2.7	0.7	0.9	0.8	0.6	2.7	+1	9.4
I LOVE this! The ombre is stunning and well-balanced with the rest of the leo. The sparkles are lovely and add to an already gorgeous leo. Well done, Philippines!
Sophie	2.0	0.4	0.8	0.9	0.4	2.0	0	6.5
I love the sparkles on this one, but I’m not a fan of the ombre. The colors look a bit too watered down to me.
Peri	2.4	0.8	0.7	0.8	0.5	2.4	0	7.6
Big fan of this design, especially in how it uses red, blue, and white without looking like an American, French, or British (etc.) stock leo. For a flag with four colors, this is one of my favorite ways to see all of them in the same composition.

United States (Event Finals): 7.875

Sunisa Lee (Auburn, beam) and Jordan Chiles (UCLA, floor)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.4	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.9	2.4	+1	9.2
This is one of my favorite U.S. leos from Paris. I love a white moment, but it’s the subtle details that put it over the edge for me: the pearls, the sleeve pattern, the splash of color on the back.
Naomi	2.0	0.7	0.9	0.7	0.7	2.0	0	7.0
I love all the sparkles and the way they create a deep V. I’m more lukewarm on the back than most, but I can’t deny the patriotism that it adds. My favorite part is the way the sparkle design looks on the shoulders.
Julianna	2.3	0.7	0.9	0.7	0.8	2.4	0	7.8
White leos usually scare me, but I am in love with this one! This looked so beautiful on the U.S. athletes, and I do really like the back added in the pop of blue and red. I like the different patterns and ‘textures’ on this leo, it’s really unique compared to any other white leo I’ve seen with the intricacy of the details really complimenting the solid white color.
Tara	2.1	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	2.3	0	7.5
I can’t see a white leo at the Olympics without thinking of the white leo curse, but as for the leo itself, it’s nice. The V works well with the crystal placement, which is stunning and helps the leo pop. I love the red and blue criss cross design on the back to give it a splash of color and extra patriotism. I’m not a huge fan of patterned sleeves, but the thing with them is you can never really tell from afar which makes them more bearable. It suits Chiles well, too—I was thinking this could be one she wore in floor finals for that reason, and it lived up to it.

Haiti (Qualifications): 7.767

Lynnzee Brown (Denver/Penn State)

View an image of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	1.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.6	1.8	0	6.3
I like the subtle ombre and the incorporation of the country colors. The design isn’t my favorite, but I do think it’s flattering on Brown. Why is “HAI” so big, though? I noticed that on the Phillipines leo, which isn’t even the same brand, too…
Naomi	1.8	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.7	1.9	0	6.6
This leotard screams Haiti, which feels very fitting. As such, I don’t mind the giant HAI too much. It’s a simple leotard that gets the job done, and I love the design on the sides.
Julianna	1.5	0.8	0.7	0.8	0.5	1.5	0	5.8
With this being the first representation of Haiti in this event, I just wish there was a little bit more to this leo. I do think it is simple and elegant, and is definitely flattering, but I would love to see a bit more for this.
Tara	2.3	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.7	2.5	+1	8.8
It’s really hard to go wrong with red, white, and blue colors. I love the subtle blue ombre body paired with the red and white side triangles. The sparkles are well-placed and accentuate the design while adding a pop of elegance. I don’t even mind the large “HAI” on the hip—it almost gives it an added dimension and another way to show it’s a Haiti leotard.
Sophie	2.0	0.8	0.7	0.8	0.6	2.0	0	6.9
This is a simple but super classy design. I’m not always a fan of the high neckline but I think it looks great here.
Peri	1.7	0.7	0.6	0.8	0.6	1.8	0	6.2
When I saw Ozone was decking out Lynnzee Brown’s Olympic closet, I was hoping for a more unique finished product. The design does its job, but after five years of seeing her in the NCAA I was ready for the college level of sparkle.

Canada (Qualifications): 7.017

Cassie Lee (Iowa), Shallon Olsen (Alabama), Ava Stewart (Minnesota), Aurélie Tran (Iowa)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.1	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.7	2.1	0	7.1
Maple leaves are hard to do when it comes to leotards, but Canada always seems to come up with really good designs. I love the blue/ombre/tie-dye effect used on the leaves here, as well as the shiny fabric around the neckline.
Naomi	2.1	0.7	0.6	0.8	0.7	2.2	0	7.1
I’m always a fan of Canada leos and how they use the maple leaf. The shades of blue used here work very well and the neckline enhances the overall look of the leo, rather than being a distraction.
Julianna	1.5	0.7	0.5	0.8	0.7	2.0	0	6.2
Canada is consistent with making sure the audience knows these are their leos, but this isn’t my favorite for the team for this Olympics. I do like the design of the actual leo with the cutouts in the back and I love the incorporation of the maple leaf, but I do feel like the top is a little too overwhelmed with the blue camouflage.
Tara	2.1	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	2.2	0	7.3
Canada typically nails the maple leaf incorporation, and this is no different. It’s subtle, yet present. It reminds me of the new Penn State marble leo from afar, but with maple leaves contributing to the effect.
Sophie	1.8	0.6	0.5	0.8	0	1.9	0	6.4
Usually I’m a huge fan of Canada’s leos, but this one isn’t my favorite. I have to respect the creativity though!
Peri	2.2	0.9	0.7	1.0	0.8	2.4	0	8.0
The creativity is there, and I have a soft spot for monochrome Canadian leos. This team has established itself as one that doesn’t need to wear red, and it’s something I was hoping to see GK continue after taking on the national team leos from Jagwear. My one qualm is with the mystique thick neckline, and how much it contrasts the matte body.

Hungary: 6.750

Csenge Bácskay (Georgia)

View images of the front of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.0	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	2.0	0	6.8
I love the way the ends of the sleeves are cut, as well as the geometric design on the body. The shade of red at the top is also especially nice. It doesn’t scream Hungary, which to me is essential for an Olympics leo.
Naomi	2.0	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	2.0	0	6.6
I really like the way the different shades of red work together, as well as the cut of the sleeves. The sparkle placement is very clever as well, and I like the ombre.
Julianna	2.0	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.5	2.0	0	6.1
My favorite part of this is the flared out sleeve and the placement of the sparkles. I wish there was a little bit more bling for the stage this leo is on, and besides the flag, there is no real correspondence to Hungary. So, while I do like it, I think there could have been more done to really make a mark for such a big event.
Tara	2.3	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.6	2.3	0	7.4
I love the criss-cross design and the ombre. It has a nice balance between red and black and the right amount of sparkle.
Sophie	2.1	0.8	0.5	0.5	0.6	2.2	0	6.7
I love a red and black leo; I think they look great on camera and in the arena. Some more sparkles would have made this one of my favorites.
Peri	2.0	0.8	0.6	0.6	0.7	2.2	0	6.9
I’m no stranger to a red and black leo, and this still feels fresh! It can be tricky to use multiple shades, but the geometric pattern works well with the ombre to make it flow.

Colombia (Qualifications): 5.867

Luisa Blanco (Alabama)

View images of the front of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	1.5	0.6	0.6	0.8	0.5	2.0	0	6.0
I’ve never liked this stock design, but I do like the creativity used to make it scream Colombia. The patriotism is subtle, but I think that’s what I like about it. Plus, the blue base is a really pretty shade.
Naomi	1.4	0.6	0.5	0.8	0.5	1.8	0	5.6
This stock design just isn’t my thing. It always feels like several elements awkwardly layered on top of each other, and the colors used here emphasize that. However, those same colors also scream Colombia and the shade of blue popped on TV, so I’m not that mad.
Julianna	1.8	0.7	0.5	0.8	0.5	2.0	0	6.3
I actually think this is really beautiful and I think this blue is beyond flattering. I do agree it’s not the most unique leotard being a stock design, but I do like how it was adapted to represent Colombia for the Games.
Tara	2.0	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.4	2.0	0	6.4
This stock design can be hit or miss, but this one’s a hit. I like the blue paired with accents of yellow and red, and the rhinestone pattern near the neckline is a nice touch. It’s simple yet elegant.
Sophie	1.5	0.4	0.5	0.7	0.3	1.5	0	4.9
This design is just too plain to stand out to me. I do like the rhinestones around the neckline and the use of Colombia’s colors, though.
Peri	1.7	0.6	0.5	0.8	0.5	1.9	0	6.0
This design works lovely with matte fabric, and this is the first time I’ve seen it be used this way. Big props for having the stripes mimic the Colombian flag, and for being able to layer three different blue fabrics without washing each other out.

Haiti (Podium Training): 5.750

Lynnzee Brown (Denver/Penn State)

View an image of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	2.0	0.7	0.8	0.3	0.6	2.0	0	6.4
I love a gray leo. It’s classic yet still elevated from all black. The sparkle design is also really nice here. Points lost, obviously, for patriotism, but I don’t care all that much considering this was for podium training.
Naomi	1.4	0.6	0.7	0.3	0.6	1.5	0	5.1
To be honest, this says “Penn State” to me more than it says Haiti. I also think the level of sparkle being arranged in this manner is just a little bit too much for my personal tastes.
Julianna	1.7	0.6	0.8	0.4	0.4	1.5	0	5.4
I do like this leo more than the other leotard debuted by Haiti, but without already knowing this leo was for Haiti, I would never know. I love the design and the sparkle factor, but incorporating something else representing the country for this would make me love it even more.
Tara	1.7	0.6	0.7	0.5	0.6	1.7	0	5.8
I definitely like Brown’s other Haiti leo more than this one. The gray is nice but it overall feels pretty flat. The sparkles are definitely doing the heavy lifting here.
Sophie	1.6	0.6	0.7	0.3	0.5	1.6	0	5.3
This does look more like a Penn State leo to me! The sparkles are fun but I would have liked to see a little more going on with the actual design.
Peri	1.9	0.7	0.8	0.4	0.5	2.2	0	6.5
Big fan of the gray! My hot take is that as an individual, any color can work on a national team leo if it’s used properly. For podium training it doesn’t need to be a wearable flag.

Romania (Team Final): 4.250

Lilia Cosman (Michigan State)

View images of this leotard here.

Name	Design	Fabric	Sparkle	Patriotism	Uniqueness	Overall	Bonus	Total
Elizabeth	0.5	0.5	0.5	1.0	1.0	1.0	0	4.5
Well it’s certainly patriotic, but I have a lot of thoughts on this one. The flag/design right in the middle of the body sure is something, and the hip stripes, while very reminiscent of old Romanian leos, are very weirdly placed.
Naomi	0.5	0.5	0.5	1.0	0.8	1.0	0	4.3
Full points for patriotism, but not in a particularly positive way. I think the placement of the yellow is where this leotard design starts to fall apart. If you want to go this patriotic, maybe do a throwback type of leotard?
Julianna	0.5	0.6	0.5	1.0	1.0	1.0	0	4.6
I have mixed thoughts on this one; in competition, I actually thought it was really beautiful and you definitely knew which country this team was representing. Looking at it straight on, I like certain aspects of this, but the leo as a whole is a bit overwhelming.
Tara	0.5	0.5	0.5	1	0.8	0.8	0	4.1
Just like, what is happening here? It’s definitely Romania, but there’s a lot to be desired.
Sophie	0.5	0.4	0.5	1.0	0.6	0.7	0	3.7
There’s a lot going on here and I can’t say I’m a fan of much of it. But it definitely says Romania!
Peri	0.6	0.5	0.6	1.0	1.0	1.5	0	5.2
Immediate points for being able to recognize it as Romanian, but it’s a pretty heavy design. Is it too late to request their qualifications leo with a blue base?

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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Naomi Stephenson, Julianna Roland, Tara Graeve, Sophie Poirier, and Peri Goodman