State-of-the-art swimming technology doesn’t come without its drawbacks and the humble, low-tech zipper had a dramatic influence on the Beijing Olympics
BEIJING: State-of-the-art swimming technology doesn’t come without its drawbacks and the humble, low-tech zipper had a dramatic influence on the Beijing Olympics on Monday.
Australian Jessicah Schipper, a medal contender in the women’s 100m butterfly final, was distracted shortly before the race when her skin-tight Speedo LZR Racer suit broke.
“It was a bit of bad luck that I was getting my suit zipped up just before the race and the zip broke, so I had to do a quick change,” she said. “And the Racers aren’t the easiest things to get into, so I was a bit stressed out from the nerves — the adrenalin was pumping,” added Schipper, who went on to claim the bronze medal.
Schipper was helped into her new suit by teammate Libby Trickett, who went on to win the gold. Their positions had been reversed before Sunday morning’s semi-finals, when it was Trickett who had a last-minute wardrobe malfunction.
“I had a similar problem before the semi-finals and Jess did the same for me,” said Trickett. “But Jess’ situation was a little bit harder to deal with, so she did an amazing job to just get in there and fight the whole way.”
The revolutionary LZR Racer is a confidence builder in the water, but even for experienced wearers it can take some doing to get it right on dry land.
“The suits don’t enhance the performance,” Australian swimmer Eamon Sullivan said.
“They just help the way you feel. And if you feel good, you race well.”
More than 40 world records had been set by swimmers wearing the LZR between its release in February and the start of the Beijing Games, prompting a rush for the costume by swimmers from all over the globe.
Michael Phelps, who was involved by sponsor Speedo during the design process, was wearing the legs-only version of the suit when he shattered the world record in the 400m individual medley on Sunday, claiming the first of what he hopes will be eight Olympic gold medals. Stephanie Rice of Australia (women’s 400m medley gold medallist), and Kirsty Coventry (women’s 100m backstroke semi-finals), have also lowered individual world records at the Water Cube in their Speedo Racer LZRs.
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