By: Elaine Li

In the Olympic swimming events, athletes have to be strong and fast, but the correct swimsuit can help them win a race. Both Speedo and TYR have made swimsuits to help USA’s female swimmers, Katie Ledecky and Regan Smith compete.

Speedo has re-made the Fastskin LZR Pure Intent/Valor swimsuits. Athletes wearing the LZE swimsuits have broken more than half of the swimming world records. The athletes wearing LZR suits also got 61% of the medals in the Tokyo Games.

Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Murphy, and Regan Smith are among the five USA swimmers who will test out the new Speedo suits for the Olympics.

The suits are engineered with fabric that was supposed to protect satellites in space, which makes the swimsuits extremely water-repellent. “The biggest factor in swimming, because it’s in water, is drag, which is far and away the main detractor for speed,” Kevin Netto, an exercise specialist at the Curtin School of Allied Health in Australia, told AFP. “So, anything that will change drag forces, it’s worth its weight in gold.”

TYR’s Venzo suit uses yarn that was used for the military in Italy. The design is comfortable, and helps the swimmer have better technique. It repels water and elevates the body position. It also supports the core and legs, making it stable and comfortable.

Every tiny advantage matters, including the swimsuit you’re wearing, and it could determine whether you’re getting a gold or a silver medal.