The British Olympic Association (BOA) has resolved a dispute regarding contractual problems with athlete apparel that had threatened to overshadow next week’s Olympic and Paralympic Parade of Heroes in central London and could have prevented Athens 2004 stars such as Kelly Holmes and Mark Lewis-Francis from attending.

The argument began after the BOA insisted that all athletes had to wear the official Adidas-sponsored Team GB kit during the parade and subsequent presentation at Trafalgar Square.

Reebok, whose kit is endorsed by Darren Campbell and Kelly Holmes, and Nike-sponsored Mark Lewis-Francis and Bradley Wiggins both claimed that the contractual obligation for athletes to wear their federation uniform expired a week after the closing ceremony of the Games.

However, to appear looking like a team, any Paralympic or Olympic parade athlete not wearing the official Adidas kit was reportedly going to be barred from attending the event.

A clause in the Adidas kit deal also apparently stipulated that it is the only kit company that can be associated with British Olympic success and, because the athletes would be wearing their medals, this clause would be in effect for the parade.

A statement released today by the BOA said: “After discussions yesterday with Nike, the British Olympic Association accept that the two Nike-contracted athletes had been put in a potentially awkward situation, which could have led to them missing the Olympic and Paralympic Parade of Heroes.”

The Nike situation has been resolved, with the BOA stating that Nike will now support the parade and allow its athletes to participate in the Team GB Adidas tracksuit.

It is understood that, following Nike’s public show of support for the parade, the BOA doesn’t foresee any further issues from other manufacturers before the parade. Details: www.olympics.org.uk