By: Megan Wei
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, even the smallest time difference in swimming can determine what an athlete wins. Speedo, a swimwear company, has introduced their latest swimsuits, the LZR Pure Intent 2.0 and LZR Pure Valor 2.0, hoping to give swimmers a better glide by reducing drag. These new suits are designed to help swimmers move faster and smoother through the water. The new technology could make a significant impact in these intensely close races.
Speedo claims that since 2019, their swimsuits have helped break over half of all swimming world records. It also won more than 60% of gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The newly designed LZR Pure Intent 2.0 is meant for sprinters and reduces drag with special features, while the LZR Pure Valor 2.0, designed for longer races, offers improved water resistance and compression. Both suits use a special coating, originally developed for satellites, to stay highly water-resistant.
Top American swimmers like Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy will test these suits at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The LZR Pure Intent 2.0 is focused on cutting down drag, while the LZR Pure Valor 2.0 provides better resistance for distance events. “You’re talking about maybe a one percent difference in a race,” Ryan Murphy said according to DOGO News. “Any little thing we can get to improve time, improve body position in the water, assist your technique, you’re really looking for that.” This technology aims to improve performance and give swimmers an advantage in their races.
Kevin Netto, an exercise-science expert, explains that reducing drag, which is a force that exerts resistance, is crucial for faster swimming. “Anything that reduces drag is extremely valuable,” he said to DOGO News. This new technology might just help athletes achieve their best times and secure medals at the Games. Reducing drag minimizes the resistance a swimmer faces as they move through the water. This means the swimmer expends less energy to maintain speed, which can improve their overall performance and race times.
Believe it or not, swimsuits play a big role in competitive swimming, they aren’t just for looks. Katie Ledecky, who is a top female swimmer, will wear the TYR Venzo suit to help her swim faster. This suit has special yarn that was first made for the military and keeps water away. It also helps swimmers stay in a good position and feel more comfortable in the water. Even small improvements in a sport like swimming can make a huge difference in winning races.