Team USA's face masks are getting a gold medal in freaking people out
The masks Team USA athletes are wearing at the Tokyo Olympics are proving to be the “Bane” of fans’ existence.
People on Twitter couldn’t help but notice that the masks the athletes are sporting look eerily similar to the facial apparatus sported by Batman’s enemy Bane.
I feel like the USA masks in the #Olympics look kinda like a Bane mask pic.twitter.com/FLt6p8Zix1
— Chris Wild MD, FAAOS (@W1ldMD) July 25, 2021
“I feel like the USA masks in the #Olympics look kinda like a Bane mask,” one person wrote along a GIF of the character saying, “Nobody cared who I was until I put on the mask.”
Other people shared photos of the athletes in their masks.
Team USA masks for the podium look like the medalists are about to close off Gotham’s bridges and become allies with darkness #Olympics #USA pic.twitter.com/ppQ5zzWN0W
— Nick Quaranto 💉😷🤜🦠 (@qrush) July 25, 2021
“Team USA masks for the podium look like the medalists are about to close off Gotham’s bridges and become allies with darkness,” someone wrote, while alluding to “Batman.”
What’s with the Bane/Hannibal Lecter masks Americans are wearing on the medal stands? They’re huge!
(…I want one.) #Olympics #USA pic.twitter.com/hSqkzeXpZV— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) July 25, 2021
"Really enjoying the Swimming events at #Tokyo2020 #Olympics so far however I must say, #TeamUSA face masks are creeping me out," someone else wrote.
Other people thought the masks had a touch of another famous character who chilled moviegoers: Hannibal Lecter.
“What’s with the Bane/Hannibal Lecter masks Americans are wearing on the medal stands?” another person wrote. “They’re huge! (…I want one.)”
Really enjoying the Swimming events at #Tokyo2020 #Olympics so far however I must say, #TeamUSA face masks are creeping me out. pic.twitter.com/48lk5GxV3e
— Karl Felsman (@KarlFelsman) July 26, 2021
"Why do the American masks look like they could be worn on Hannibal Lecter?" one person pointed out.
Why do the American masks look like they could be worn on Hannibal Lecter? pic.twitter.com/Yq1g3vaetS
— georgie potter (@georgiepotterrr) July 26, 2021
"Getting real Hannibal Lecter vibes from the USA olympic masks," someone else wrote.
Getting real Hannibal Lecter vibes from the USA olympic masks.
— trickyfinn (@trickyfinn) July 25, 2021
Nike has provided Team USA athletes with the "performance masks," which will soon be available to buy on Nike's website.
"The unique origami-inspired pleated design allows for optimal air flow and air volume within the lightweight, mesh mask," the company said in a statement. "Nike Venturer is not intended for use as Personal Protective Equipment, nor is it meant to be a medical face mask or surgical mask."
Athletes are required to wear them at all Olympic venues — indoors and outdoors — in Tokyo, including medal ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee said Sunday, according to Reuters. However, they can take them off in order to take pictures.
"It's not a nice to have. It's a must to have," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said about masks.
"No, there is no relaxation and we would urge and ask everyone to obey the rules," Adams said. "It's important for the sports, for everyone involved and for our Japanese friends and it would send a strong message."