Why the new LZR Racer swimsuit has destroyed the Olympic ideal at a stroke

Speedo has garnered a considerable reputation for being the suit the elite swimmers use, but it now seems to be going too far to increasing a standard human’s ability to move effortlessly through the water.

Swimsuits have come a long way since the sport became competitive at the highest level. Jantzen made the first recorded elasticized suit in 1913 which weighed nearly 20 pounds when wet and was basically a wool sweater.

In 1992, Speedo created history by releasing the S2000 at the Barcelona Olympics. It was the first major style of cat suit (full body coverage excluding the arms) released, and its principal goal was to reduce drag in relation to shaved skin. It was predominantly used by the Australian swimmers.

At the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the Aqua Blade was released to stunning effect. Over three-quarters of the medals at the most prestigious meet in the swimming calendar were won by competitors wearing the Aqua Blade. The Teflon-coated suit had alternating rough and smooth ridges designed to further decrease drag.