Effects of High Tech Swim Suits on Time Improvement

Abstract

In 2008, the introduction of high tech swim suits increased body compression and dramatically reduced drag through the water. Along with the use of polyurethane, which increases buoyancy, the tech-suits resulted in dramatic time improvements in athletes. Therefore, I analyzed time improvements of NCAA Division I, II and III athletes performance taking into account the suit worn, weight, suit coverage and Body Mass Index (BMI). I found that suit coverage greatly affects time improvement and that the high tech suits indicate a potential positive correlation between time improvement and increasing BMI.