U.S Speedskating officials may stop using Under Armour's hyped
Mach 39 racing suit because of concern that a mesh vent in the back may
be causing drag and slowing the skaters down, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun. The possible switch comes as the Americans are on the verge of their worst Olympic performance in 30 years.
In Sochi, through half of the races, U.S. speedskaters have yet to win a medal. On Thursday, U.S. Speedskating officials covered the meshed vent along the spine of the suit worn by Heather Richardson, the top-ranked women's skater in the world. She finished seventh in the 1,000 meters Thursday.
The U.S. team is seeking permission to use another suit also made by Under Armour that does not have the vent. The racing suits were worn race during World Cup competition. Under Armour developed the Mach 39 with the help of defense contractor Lockheed Martin and claimed it to be the fastest speedskating suit in production.
The full Baltimore Sun report is here.
