swimmers

How fast does Michael Phelps’ heart beat under water? In the past, Phelps would have had to check by stopping mid-stroke and checking a small screen on his wristwatch. But with the launch of the AquaPulse from Finis, Phelps can receive real-time audible heart rate updates, without coming up for air.

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Even we didnt guess it would be this good. When I wrote last month about Speedos latest swimsuit—an extremely high-tech full-body wonder—three world records had already been broken by LZR-clad swimmers. Coincidence? Maybe. But, after eight more records fell in the past month, the suit is causing some serious waves.

British swimmers are known for their good form, and theyll enhance that reputation this summer as they train for the Beijing Olympics using novel motion tracking technology. Research funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in collaboration with UK Sport, will use water-resistant markers drawn on the swimmers bodies to provide real-time feedback to coaches and athletes. Unlike the spherical markers used in other motion tracking, the Brits markers are painted on to eliminate any effect they might have on drag.

Shaving your legs just isnt enough to give swimmers an edge anymore. With a combination of computational fluid dynamics, aerospace engineering and a bit of help from NASA, Speedo has launched its latest swimsuit built to shatter records at the Olympic Games this summer in Beijing—or before.