Sport

Dutch Swimmer Arno Kamminga Goes Viral After Revealing Trunks at Paris Olympics

Dutch swimmer Arno Kamminga has become an internet sensation at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to his choice of swimwear. His eye-catching orange trunks with a gravity-defying design sparked widespread discussion on social media.

The 28-year-old swimmer finished second with a time of 59.12 seconds in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke event at Paris La Defense Arena. However, his orange trunks garnered more attention than his impressive performance.

The trunks, with their orange shade closely matching his skin tone, created an optical illusion that made Kamminga appear almost naked. The revealing nature of the swimwear led to numerous comments and reactions online, with many questioning the legality of the suit.

Kamminga, embracing the attention, responded with a red heart emoji on social media, indicating his awareness and amusement over the situation. The Netherlands’ choice of this flesh-colored design, accented with blue and red, has certainly sparked debate and curiosity.

This isn’t the first time Kamminga has made headlines at the Olympics. He won two silver medals at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 and holds multiple national records for the Netherlands. Despite his impressive athletic achievements, it’s his swimwear that has captured the public’s imagination.

Social media reactions have been swift and varied. One Twitter user commented, “Definitely watching for the sport,” while another simply asked, “Name???” A more humorous reaction queried, “In public? Is this legal?”

The history of Olympic swimwear has seen many changes and controversies. From the introduction of the racerback design in 1928 to the full-body suits of the late 1990s and early 2000s, swimwear technology has continually evolved. The Speedo LZR Racer, introduced in 2008 with NASA’s assistance, once set new standards before materials like polyurethane were banned in 2010 to ensure fairness.

photo: @arnokamminga •

Kamminga’s trunks have now added a new chapter to this history, blending performance with a viral twist. The swimmer’s next appearance is eagerly anticipated, not just for his potential to win medals, but for the ongoing conversation about his now-famous swimwear.

As the Paris Olympics continue, Kamminga’s story serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways athletes can capture the world’s attention, blending sports excellence with moments of viral fame.

Arno Kamminga, of Netherlands, reacts after his heat in the men's 100-meter breaststroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France.
(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Arno Kamminga’s Journey to Success

Arno Kamminga, born on October 22, 1995, is a distinguished Dutch swimmer. He brought honour to his home country by winning silver medals in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Kamminga’s journey to success began at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships, where he competed in the men’s 50m breaststroke. This marked his emergence onto the international swimming stage.

photo: @arnokamminga

His talent is evident in his impressive records. He has broken numerous national records in short course events, including the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke, as well as in long course events like the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

Beyond his international achievements, Kamminga is a versatile athlete. He represents the De Dolfijn swimming club and is coached by Mark Faber.

With his skill and dedication, Kamminga remains one of the most promising swimmers in the Netherlands and the world.He serves as an inspiration to young swimmers and a source of pride for the Dutch people.

photo: @arnokamminga
photo: @arnokamminga

Jimmy Smith

Jimmy, currently with The Thaiger, translates his global journalism experience to bring insights about Sport. Originally from St Albans, he now calls NY home, His robust skill set and commitment to truth have established him as a trusted voice in journalism.