LZR Racer

The LZR Racer (pronounced as "Laser Racer") is a line of competition swimsuits manufactured by Speedo using a high-technology swimwear fabric composed of woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane. The swimsuits are available in a full-body length; they compress the body and trap air for buoyancy. The LZR Pro and LZR Elite were launched on February 13, 2008; the higher-priced LZR Elite was replaced by the LZR Elite 2 in early 2014.[1] The LZR X was launched in early 2015. The technology is patented in Italy, and protected worldwide.[2]

In its ruling in 2008, FINA deemed the LZR Racer swimsuits provide an unfair advantage to the wearer, leading to a ban on all swimsuits of a similar nature.

Design and development

The LZR Pro and LZR Elite were developed by Mectex, an Italian company, in association with the Australian Institute of Sport, with the help of Speedo's sponsored athletes. NASA's wind tunnel testing facilities and fluid flow analysis software supported the design.[3] Both lines' aesthetics were designed in collaboration with the fashion brand Comme des Garçons.

The design result, called the LZR Racer, reduced skin friction drag by 24% compared to the previous Speedo swimsuit. In March 2008, athletes wearing the LZR Racer broke 13 swimming world records.[4] Much like other suits used for high competition racing, LZR Racers allow better oxygen flow to the muscles, and hold the body in a more hydrodynamic position, while repelling water and increasing flexibility.[5] The LZR Pro uses vertically stitched seams to minimize fluid resistance, while the seams of the LZR Elite, LZR Elite 2, and LZR X are ultrasonically welded to further reduce drag.[6]

Marketing and results

The LZR Pro and LZR Elite lines were launched on February 13, 2008.[9] It was Speedo's campaign focus for the 2008 Summer Olympics, spearheaded by Michael Phelps of the United States. They created a holographic (visually generated) video of Michael Phelps wearing the suit which was displayed in London, Sydney, New York, and Tokyo on the day of the suit's release.

The Beijing Olympics were successful for those wearing the LZR Racer, with 94% of all swimming races won in the suit.[10] 98% of all swim medals won and 23 of the 25 world records broken at the Beijing Olympics were won by swimmers wearing the suit.[11], 93 world records had been broken by swimmers wearing a LZR Racer,[3] and 33 of the first 36 Olympic medals have been won wearing it.[12]

A problem arose for the Japanese Olympic swimmers, who had exclusive contracts with swimsuit makers

FINA rule changes

Following the December 2008 European Short Course Championships in Croatia, where 17 world records were broken, it was felt there was a need to modify the rules surrounding swimsuits. The combined effects of the LZR both compressing the body and trapping air for buoyancy led to many competitors who used the LZR wearing two or more suits for an increased effect. This led to some claiming that the LZR was in effect "technological doping".[14]

At its meeting in Dubai in March 2009, FINA stipulated that swimsuits should not cover the neck, must not extend past the shoulders and ankles, and also limit the suits' thickness and buoyancy. In a statement, FINA stated that[14] by avoiding all questions of fabrics, impermeability, and buoyancy, FINA chose to deal with this situation by simply ruling on the lengths of swimsuits.

"FINA wishes to recall the main and core principle that swimming is a sport essentially based on the physical performance of the athlete."

In an abrupt reversal of opinion, the FINA Congress voted almost unanimously to revert its previous policy and ban all body-length swimsuits.[15] The decision was taken in Rome on July 24, 2009, during the 2009 World Aquatics Championships.

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