America’s best swimmers will head into 2012 competitions outfitted in the newest “high-tech” swimsuit, designed for maximum performance within the constraints of FINA rules imposed two years ago.
Olympians including Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Natalie Coughlin modeled the Speedo Fastskin3 suits at a launch event in New York last month and they are preparing to wear the new suits in London at the 2012 Olympic games.
The Fatskin 3 suits are part of a “system” that includes a specially designed cap and goggles that feature hydroscopic lens and 180 degree peripheral vision. According to reports, the manufacturer claims the suits took four years to develop, and overall the system improve oxygen economy by 11 percent and reduce drag by 16.6 percent underwater and 5.2 percent on the surface.
