Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics

All good things come to an end, including the Olympics. Throughout the 17 days of the games and before we cast the spotlight on some of the latest technology and innovations that were used to help the athletes train and perform. Here is our Kinetic Recap of some of the top stories of the 2012 Olympics: Continue reading Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics

Future Olympic Uniforms Could be Spray On

The now-banned LZR Racer swinsuit

The Olympic Games don’t begin for over a week and already there is much controversy – not on the fields of competition but rather on what is covering the athletes. In the United States some lawmakers are upset that the attire to be worn by the U.S. Olympic Team was made in China.

Then there are the swim suits that will be worn in the pool – and could be a replay of the now-banned 2008 LZR Racer skinsuits. Likewise the golf ball inspired track suits are getting much attention. Continue reading Future Olympic Uniforms Could be Spray On

New Speedo Suit for Michael Phelps

This week Michael Phelps unveiled the Fastskin3,the new high-tech swimsuit that the Olympic champion plans to wear in next year’s games in London. While the Speedo LZR Racer, which he previously used and were used in all but two of the 25 broken record events at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the new suits are reportedly already looking to be record breakers.

The full body high-tech suits were banned in 2009 following the World Aquatics Championships, which saw 43 more records broken, so these new designs cover less of the body, but do incorporate a cap, goggles and suit. Speedo suggests that swimmers using the suit can gain an extra 11 percent in oxygen economy, reduce skin friction drag by 2.7 percent and full body drag force by 5.7 percent from this new system, resulting in stronger performances. Video and more images after the jump