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‘Super Suit’ Could Be Banned From Swimming Competitions

By Fox News
Published | Updated

A new, faster competitive bathing suit is the buzz of swimmers worldwide, but the revolutionary athletic attire could be banned from the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

The LZR Racer, developed by Speedo with the help of NASA scientists, has been worn in 16 record-breaking swims since its release six weeks ago, the London Daily Mail reported. The suit, which according to Speedo can cut down on swimmers drag in the water by five percent, has been worn by several British swimmers who are praising it.

“I just dived in and it felt like I was gliding for ever. It was really effortless through the water,” Caitlin McClatchey, 22, one of Britain’s brightest swimming stars, told the Mail.

But swimming’s international governing body, the Federation Internationale de Natation is reviewing claims the suit is giving an edge to swimmers due to allegations it provides greater buoyancy, according to the New York Post.

In fact, several leading sportswear companies are preparing to launch their own supersuits, similar to the LZR Racer, according to FOX Sports.

Despite rave reviews, not everyone is happy with the suit's performance.

Australian world record holder Jessicah Schipper complained the suit slowed her down after she revealed water got inside her suit during that country's Olympic trials Thursday.

Speedo officials planned to meet with Schipper, who won the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2 minutes, 6.82 seconds, far off her world record of 2:05.40. She wore the Speedo LZR Racer "open back kneeskin" during the butterfly final.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation but are confident this is not endemic to the LZR Racer suit," said Rob Davies, general manager of Speedo Australia. "Obviously, we will be working closely with Jessicah on a resolution and providing all the assistance she needs."

The LZR Racer is made of a lightweight blend of Lycra and nylon, and electronically bonded to fit tighter around one’s body, the Post reported. It carries

Click here for the Daily Mail report.

Click here for the New York Post report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.