Why was the Speedo LZR banned?

The LZR Racer (pronounced as “laser”) is a line of competition swimsuits manufactured by Speedo using a high-technology swimwear fabric composed of woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane. They were deemed to provide an unfair advantage to the wearer by FINA, which led to a ban on all swimsuits of a similar nature.

Why are tech suits banned for 12 and under?

So what suits are actually banned? The biggest distinguishing feature of a high-end tech suit is how the fabric is joined together at the seams. Any taped or bonded fabric is considered a tech suit and not allowed in meets for 12 & under swimmers.

Why were hightech swimsuits banned 2010?

ROME — In an effort to clean up its sport, the international governing body of swimming will require its athletes to show more skin. By an overwhelming vote Friday at its general congress, FINA officials decided to ban the high-tech swimsuits that have been likened to doping on a hanger.

Why are rubber swim suits banned?

The FINA Bureau confirmed an overwhelming vote by the FINA Congress last week to ban the bodysuits made of polyurethane and other polymers that critics say offer unacceptable performance enhancing properties.

How does the LZR swimsuit work?

The LZR Pulse swimsuit claims to shape the swimmer’s body, forcing his (or her) muscles and skin into a bullet-shape aerodynamic structure that reduces the drag – and allows the swimmer to move faster while expending less energy.

Who invented the LZR Racer swimsuit?

To test materials that would best reduce drag, the company partnered with NASA and sent Wilkinson nearly 60 different fabrics to analyze using a small-scale wind tunnel at Langley. Thanks in part to Wilkinson’s work, Speedo’s Aqualab soon after designed what became the most efficient swimsuit ever made: the LZR Racer.

Can 12 year olds wear tech suits?

A: No. The only meets where a 12-Under will be allowed to wear a tech suit is one that is in USA Swimming’s Championship series of meets (Junior Nationals, US Open, National Championships or U.S. Olympic Trials).

Why do you think altered and suits made with polyurethane were banned by FINA?

In 2009, FINA rules and regulations were altered, effective from 1 January 2010. Suits made with polyurethane were banned because they made athletes more buoyant.

How is the LZR swimsuit used?

To put together the LZR Racer suit, Speedo used ultrasonic welding instead of traditional sewing to bond the fabrics, as the high profiles of normal seams act as bumps and induce drag. The suit therefore appears seamless.