New Zealand swimmers receive cutting-edge adidas racewear

New Zealand’s leading swimmers believe the new adidas swimsuits could make a key difference in their quest for glory at the Rio Olympics.

Three leading swimmers – world junior champion Gabrielle Fa’amausili, Youth Olympic medallist Bobbi Gichard and national record holder Nathan Capp - were the first New Zealanders to trial the revolutionary adizero XVI suit.

The trial was made possible with Swimming New Zealand’s new partnership with Teamsport adidas Swimming.

adidas, who produced cutting-edge technology in the development of the playing gear that helped the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup, have turned their attention to swimming with the adizero XVI which is due for global release in the next two months.

adidas Director of Future, Deborah Yeomans said the product has been over three years in the making, working with biomechanics, physiologists, fabric and pattern experts, plus a global pool of elite athletes.

“Elite swimmers know that to create their best race, every millisecond counts,” said Yeomans.

“Correct body positioning, water flow and a smooth aerodynamic fit all combine to make the difference between a medal on the world's stage and disappointment.

"With the adizero XVI we have built a swimsuit to optimise the natural movement of the human body. We look forward to seeing the swimsuit propel our athletes onto the podium in Rio this summer".

Capp said he felt an immediate effect in his first trial in the suit.

“It fits nice and feels great in the water and I am really looking forward to racing in it,” said Capp. “The panels on the back helped my hips come up in the water which allows me to hold my body position much flatter. I think this will help with my speed over the long distances.”

Multi world and Paralympic champion Mary Fisher, who will also trial the suit, is another who is excited and believes the suit can make a difference.

“For us in swimming, every millisecond counts. If it is our trials in two months, making a final or a medal in Rio, then this could make the difference and it is exciting to see where the result of all this technology takes us.”

CAPTION: (from left) Gabrielle Fa’amausili, Nathan Capp and Bobbi Gichard in the new adizero XVI swimsuit at AUT Millennium today. Credit: Simon Watts