SYDNEY: Australia's Olympic athletes have welcomed new hi-tech uniforms designed to enhance their winning potential.
Designed by sports giant Adidas and unveiled on April 14 in Sydney's Luna Park, the uniforms had the potential to improve athletes' speeds by 1 per cent – equivalent to a metre or more in short sprints, or the deciding factor between a silver and gold medal win.
The uniforms were designed to help keep Australia's athletes cool in the heat, humidity and pollution of Beijing in August, due to ventilation channels in the fabrication that would keep cool air flowing in and heat and sweat wicking out.
They also featured thermoplastic urethane power bands at key points such as the waist or above the knees, designed to work like springs in unison with key muscle groups.
Two-time 400 metre hurdle world champion Jana Rawlinson said the design of the new outfits would benefit sprinters but would also require optimum strength and training on the part of the wearer.
Meanwhile cyclist Anna Meares said she welcomed the aerodynamically shaped cycling uniform, whose glossy fabrication was designed to reduce air resistance.
The newly launched uniforms - similar to NASA-tested bodysuits worn by Australia's swimmers in their record-breaking Olympics trials last month - have been approved by the International Olympic Committee.
During the Olympics it is understood that Adidas will outfit almost 900 Australian athletes and officials with more than 100,000 items of apparel and footwear in the Australian colours of green and gold.