Evolution of Competitive Swimwear: From Super Suits to High-Tech Gear

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A decade and a half ago, Michael Phelps made history at the Beijing Olympics, clinching eight gold medals donned in the Speedo LZR Racer, a revolutionary swimsuit. This marked the pinnacle of the “super suit” era, which saw its conclusion just a year later due to its overwhelming impact on shattering records. However, the importance of swimwear in competitive swimming has not diminished.

Abbey Weitzeil, an Olympic medalist four times over and sponsored by Speedo, emphasizes the significant role of swimwear, particularly for female athletes who benefit from greater body coverage. As the Paris Olympics loom about eight months away, Speedo has unveiled its latest creations: the updated Fastskin LZR Intent and LZR Valor.

The excitement that once surrounded new swimwear releases, such as the LZR Racer and the rubberized suits of the 2009 world championships, has somewhat waned. Restrictions were imposed following the super suit era, leading to the prohibition of polyurethane suits that enhanced buoyancy. Current regulations dictate that suits must be textile-based, covering only specific body areas.

Despite these limitations, there remains considerable leeway in developing contemporary swimwear, all aimed at shaving critical time off races. Olympic backstroke medalist Ryan Murphy points out the importance of even a 1% difference in a race’s outcome, which could be the deciding factor between winning gold and missing the podium.

Speedo’s latest suits, developed in collaboration with Lamoral, known for creating protective coatings for satellites, boast lesser absorption and greater water repellence. This innovation harks back to the days of the LZR Racer, which was developed with NASA’s assistance.

Murphy and British swimmers have rigorously tested these prototypes, seeking the ideal balance between comfort and performance. Each swimmer has unique preferences, influencing their choice of suit. Murphy prefers the Valor suit for its thinness and flexibility, critical for leg-intensive events. Weitzeil opts for the Intent suit, favoring its compression and body-molding qualities.

While Murphy and Weitzeil were not part of the super suit era, they express curiosity about its impact, especially given that several world records from that period still stand. Murphy reflects on how the super suits compensated for various aspects of training, focusing more on raw power than technique.

In the current landscape, while swimwear may not revolutionize the sport as before, it remains a crucial factor in competitive success. The confidence and comfort provided by the right swimwear can significantly influence an athlete’s performance. Murphy acknowledges Speedo’s ongoing innovation efforts, providing athletes with the assurance of having the best possible equipment at their disposal.

Paul Newberry, a national sports writer for The Big Big News, can be reached at [email protected].

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