This post is not about Michael Phelps. Its about what he is wearing. Yes, it is Speedo LZR Racer (Laser Racer) swim suit which is built on series of future technologies and innovation. It is said that during 2008, 108 world records have been broken and 79 of them by swimmers wearing this stylish but deadly Speedo LZR Racer. It definitely got an astonishing aesthetic appeal. It is the first swimsuit to combine stitch-free, ultrasonically welded seams, water-resistant fabric and strategically-placed polyurethane panels (designed by Nasa). How cool is that?
Some of the features of it include the internal core stabiliser which supports and holds the swimmer in a corset-like grip and helps them to maintain the best body position in the water for longer, Ultra thin, ultra powerful, ultra low drag LZR panels, embedded at strategic points on the swimmer's body deliver optimum streamlined shape and drag reduction, LZR Pulse® which is the world's lightest, most powerful and water repellent swim fabric, helps to reduce muscle oscillation and skin vibration through superior compression, and the Hydro Form Compression System which creates the most hydrodynamic and compressed shape across the whole body. All these result in faster performance.
However, there are ethical concerns over the use of such Hi-tech swim suit. Athletes are expected to perform and be evaluated on the basis of their own capabilities. When external supports like this swim suit help them to reduce their unnecessary muscle movements (Yep, that is what it does), which is beyond their capabilities, the question raises, whether it is ethical? or legal?. This swim suit cost around US $350. Wealthy players can afford it, but what about the rest? What will happen to the fairness of the game?
Anyway, 108 world records have already been broken. What we should appreciate here is the innovativeness and the use of modern technology by some SMART companies. It is true that world swimming governing body is to take measures about this controversial swim suit but, no matter how, future sports will no longer be the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment