Team GB’s record-breaking Olympic athletes lit up the closing ceremony in Rio thanks to illuminated shoes custom-made by a Hyndburn firm.
The team walked out at the spectacular carnival-inspired parade with red, white and blue lights built-in to the soles of their shoes.
Altham-based uniform provider Simon Jersey also created the sports stars’ closing ceremony outfits to help them draw their most successful ever ‘away’ games to a close.
The athletes wore shorts - red for women and blue for men – and a white jacket, both of which incorporate the Team GB emblem of a lion’s head.
The jacket also featured a ‘thank you’ to Brazil in Portuguese and a ‘hello’ to Tokyo, the host nation of the next Olympic Games in 2020.
A spokesman for Simon Jersey, said: “Rio 2016 has been another great Games for the team and after the buzz of London 2012, we wanted to mark the closing ceremony with something a little different.
“Rio is known for its love of parties and carnivals and wearable tech is becoming more popular, so we thought the most fun and patriotic way to use this in the outfits is through lights.
“Creating two outfits which suit such a diverse team - from petite gymnasts to Amazonian rowers, has been a challenge.”
Designers from Simon Jersey worked with the Athletes’ Commission – a group of current and former athletes – to come up with the idea for the garments.
Fashion students were also consulted on what they thought athletes should wear, while taking into account the Rio climate, current trends and technology.
The canvas pumps - blue for men and red for women - had red, white and blue flashing soles, with the lights lasting for around four hours.
Bill Sweeney, British Olympic Association CEO said the outfits and shoes provided an ‘exciting and colourful end’ to a ‘magnificent Olympic Games.’
