NIke Designs US Track and Field Uniforms

Wednesday 09th of July 2008 07:31:23 AM

When it comes to team uniforms for the Beijing Olympics, even the smallest innovations can make all the difference. Each athlete wants the greatest advantage for their event, and the US Track and Field team is not any different. Athletic manufacturer Nike unveiled the USA Track and Field uniforms for the 2008 Olympic team at the US Track and Field Olympic Trials.

The uniforms feature what Nike calls their "Nike Swift" materials that they said reduce weight and create less drag, and by extension faster times for athletes wearing the uniforms. Less weight and faster times could make all the difference for the US Olympic Track and Field team.

According to Sean McDowell, Nike footwear design director, "Our new innovations are truly game changing and industry defining. It is the lightest footwear and apparel we've ever created. The world's top Nike athletes are wearing Flywire technology at the trials because they want gold."

The Nike team has said the "Swift Suit" has 7 percent less drag, and creates a benefit of .02 seconds in the 100 meter event. That time difference could very well mean the difference between a gold medal and a silver medal. Even a mere hundredths of a second can make all the difference, so uniforms play a very important part of the Olympic athlete’s plan for success.

The gloves and arm coverings of the suit have dimpled fabric that Nike researchers said will cut wind resistance and allow a sprinter's arm to cut through the air faster.

U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Jim Scherr said, "The difference between making the team and not making the team comes down to mere hundredths of a second. Nike's ability to deliver ground-breaking apparel and footwear with cutting-edge technology has been incredible. We are proud to have worked so closely with Nike to develop this amazing, innovative and eye-catching Olympic collection."