German Olympic uniforms debut

Members of the German Olympic team debuted their new uniforms on Wednesday -- less than a month before the opening ceremony in Beijing.

Hurdler Carolin Nytra tries her new uniform during the official outfitting of the German team for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games in Mainz July 9, 2008. REUTERS/Alex Grimm

Formal suits, trainers, and track suits were the order of the day as members of the swimming, shooting and track and field athletics teams were measured-up in the German city of Mainz. It took each athlete 2 hours to be fitted for all the items of clothing. Tailors were also on hand to make any changes required. Members of other sports teams will continue to be fitted throughout the month.

According to the German national Olympic organization, around 100,000 items were to be handed out to athletes, including clothing, bags and informative materials. Each athlete was sent home with 70 pieces of official Olympic goods to take to the games in Beijing.

Thomas Bach, President of German Olympic Sports Confederation said "I've got butterflies in my stomach. The anticipation is there but the athletes and I we are also thinking back to good memories. When I arrived at the fitting this morning I was met by the tailor who fitted me in 1976. Today, like then, she arranged my medals suit and I hope it is a good omen."

Ariane Friedrich, German High Jumper said "The anticipation is already here. And 99 percent of the things I received were really great, and now I have to carry on. Yes, I'm really looking forward to it."