The swimsuits of athletes participating in the Paris Olympics utilize a waterproof coating similar to technology used in satellites.
For swimmers competing in the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris, choosing the right swimsuit could be the decisive factor between winning a medal or not.
Specialized swimsuits used at the Paris Olympics aim to enhance athletes’ performance (Photo: Getty).
To help athletes achieve their best performance, a specialized swimsuit has been utilized at this year’s Olympics.
This is the Fastskin LZR version 2.0, marking a collaboration between the brand Lamoral and Speedo. What sets this swimsuit apart is its durable waterproof coating.
According to a statement from the manufacturer, it has the lowest water absorption rate with a waterproof ability that is six times more durable than its predecessor.
The purpose of this innovation is to reduce drag or resistance in the water, thereby improving the swimmer’s hydrodynamics during competition.
If you observe closely, you can see athletes, when performing a diving jump or returning to the shore, their bodies sparkle with tiny droplets of water. These droplets slide off the swimsuit due to its exceptionally effective waterproof capability.
Close-up of Kate Douglass’s swimsuit, an American swimmer (Photo: Getty).
A similar phenomenon can be observed in nature with smooth-skinned fish gliding through the water. The fish scales act as an effective natural waterproof layer, allowing fish to swim at high speeds with minimal effort.
Another advantage is Lamoral’s improved waterproof technology, which includes a very lightweight fabric coating, giving athletes a weightless feel when worn.
Olympic athlete Ryan Murphy from the United States noted that he could glide farther from the starting point when equipped with a technical swimsuit compared to his training suit.
According to USA Today Sports, it is estimated that Murphy’s technical swimsuit helps him reduce approximately 1 second in every 50 meters during his swimming events.
The Lamoral coating is also used on satellites and spacecraft, helping to protect equipment from prolonged exposure to harsh solar radiation and extreme cold temperatures in space.