The War Of The Swimsuits

Swimmers and coaches are understandably reluctant to give too much credit to a suit. Michael Phelps's coach, Bob Bowman, laughs at the idea that the high-tech properties of the LZR—a suit he and the Speedo-sponsored Phelps helped develop—could somehow diminish Phelps's quest for eight gold medals in Beijing. "Michael has worn the suit more than anybody," says Bowman, "and he has had more mediocre swims in it than he has had good ones. If it's the suit that sets the world records, he really should have torn up the record books by now."