‘Is this legal?’: Dutch swimmer Arno Kamminga’s trunks send Olympics into frenzy

They were talking about Paris 2024 being the hottest Olympics on record, but nobody said it had anything to do with the men’s swimwear.

They were talking about Paris 2024 being the hottest Olympics on record, but nobody said it had anything to do with the men’s swimwear.

A Dutch swimmer has become an overnight hit with those inclined after exiting the pool with what appeared to be the skimpiest, most revealing trunks seen since February’s Mardi Gras.

In a decision that was clearly made by a public relations team, the Netherlands have opted for the most flesh-coloured orange on the thighs of their trunks. The optical illusion almost makes it appear as if the swimmer is naked.

So when 28-year-old Arno Kamminga’s tightly-fitted, spotted number graced the pool deck, he became an instant celebrity on social media.

“Definitely watching for the sport,” one person wrote under the post.

“Name???” another wrote

“IN PUBLIC? IS THIS LEGAL?” another said.

Remember folks, the Olympics isn’t just about gold medals. It’s also about building a social media following so you can support yourself after the novelty of being an athlete wears off.

All jokes aside, Kamminga has been vocal in the press over a much more serious issue in the build-up to the Games.

They were talking about Paris 2024 being the hottest Olympics on record, but nobody said it had anything to do with the men’s swimwear.

Arno Kamminga doing a good impersonation all of his fans after seeing his new trunks.

Kamminga described the case of the 23 Chinese swimmers testing positive for a banned drug as a “lose-lose situation”, questioning how the investigation was handled.

“Everyone is questioning it, so it’s a lose-lose situation for everyone – for swimming lovers but also for the Chinese swimmers themselves. I think it’s hard to judge or say anything without knowing everything,” Kamminga said via Reuters.

“The problem is the way in which it was handled. For them to just cover it up, not say anything instead of being up front and transparent with us, I think that’s where the problem lies for most people.

“Whether they’re positive or not, I don’t know. I can’t say anything about it. I hope I can trust WADA that the conclusion was right... I’m just disappointed in the way it was handled.”

Kamminga said he is not sure if he would shake the Chinese swimmer Qin Haiyang’s hand if he beat him to gold.

“I’ll see how it goes. I’ll see how people in the stands will react,” Kamminga said.

“Of course, it’s a bit hard. I’ve been training my whole life for this, sacrificing so much in life. I just want it to be an even playing field.

“I want everyone to be on the same level and I really hope he is as well. And when he wins a fair game, I will congratulate him, I’ve been beaten fair and square. But yeah, the situation is hard.”