NASA-powered swimsuits to be worn by top swimmers at Paris Olympics

Sometimes we wonder what large sums of money are invested in? space technologies. There are many possible answers. However, one of them is that these inventions are often used in much more everyday tasks here on Earth. A good example of this are telescope mirrors, which eventually led to ceramic tiles in kitchens. Almost all of us have this invention at home. But there are also inventions related to space technology, which are only used in very specific sectors, such as sports. Olympic Games in Pariswhich is about to start, we will be able to see one of these cases when some of the best swimmers in the world jump into the pool.

And a sportswear brand speedometer has once again developed the perfect swimmer to improve swimming records using NASA space technology. The fabrics used are an updated version of those used in Olympic Games in Beijingin 2008. As then, they are inspired by the materials used to coat asteroids, making them easier to move and protecting them from the elements in space.

Some famous swimmers, such as the Australian Emma McKeonAmerican Caleb Dressel or English Adam Peaty They have already announced that they will wear one of these swimsuits at the Paris Olympics. It is logical that without their technique and experience they would not have been able to achieve high scores. But of course, clothing can also be of great help. We will see it soon.

What makes these swimsuits so special?

Speedo swimsuits, named Fastskin LZR Racerwere developed in the company’s laboratories in collaboration with the company Lamoral Space TechThe project involved experts from fields such as textile technology, sports science and hydrodynamics.

Thus, it was possible to develop a swimsuit that maximally satisfies the three main needs of this type of suit: reduction of resistance, impermeability and support.

The first is important so that the resistance of the water on the material does not stop the swimmers. On the other hand, it is important that they are waterproof, since water absorbed by the suit also slows down the swimmers. Finally, the more supportive the suit is, the less vibrations the swimmer’s own skin will generate, so their body becomes more elastic. aerodynamic.

The fabric developed by these scientists has certain textured areas in such a way that the resistance is reduced and optimal performanceIn addition, the material used absorbs six times less water than other previous versions. As for compression, instead of trying to achieve maximum support throughout the body, it compresses strategic areas, leaving others more freedom to increase freedom of movement.

Swimsuit of the Olympic champions.

Although Olympic Games in Paris They will be the first to use these swimsuits, some swimmers have already used them in other championships and the results have been incredible. In particular, it is estimated that 75% of world records who fought in 2023 were supported by these swimsuits.

Could there be some placebo effect?

It is clear that swimsuits are a great help. However, there are studies that assure that they do not actually have a decisive role in the results of swimmers. Such a high proportion of entries may be partly due to a certain Placebo effect. Or because it is the best swimmers who want to use the best swimsuits.

It’s unknown. But it’s worth getting them if you can afford them. To avoid any problems at the Olympics, Speedo has already made sure they meet all the requirements for the Olympics. World water sports do not consider technological doping. Olympic swimmers will be able to use them without fear of disqualification.