“It is motivating to know that girls dream of becoming Butterflies like us. That gives us the strength to continue beating our wings and flying even higher.” The leotards worn by the Butterflies, the nickname of Italy’s rhythmic gymnastics team who won bronze in Tokyo in the group all-around event, pay tribute to Japanese culture and history. The design was inspired by the kimono, Sakura blossom and the costumes worn by geishas and ninjas. Tokyo 2020 Leotard worn by the Italian rhythmic gymnastics team, bronze medallists in the group all-around competition. Designer: Natalia SERGAEVA Gymnasts were first permitted to wear leotards with metallic colours in 1997. Since then, outfits have become increasingly colourful and more reminiscent of those worn in figure skating. Rhythmic gymnastics leotards have evolved over time to become bona fide works of art, with flamboyant colours, extravagant patterns and lots of sequins. The leotards are now an integral part of the competition.