[jyl]

Interesting controversy around the Under Armor-made skinsuits being worn by the US Speed Skating team as they disappoint in every race so far in Sochi. See WSJ story below, and a bad picture of the "back vent" being discussed, as well a picture of the aero position that speed skaters use.

I'm curious if folks here who know aerodynamics have any reactions.




http://media.jrn.com/images/660*450/ap-sochi-olympics-speedskating-men.jpg



Sochi Olympics: Under Armour Suits May Be a Factor in U.S. Speedskating's Struggles - WSJ.com

These suits—designed by apparel sponsor Under Armour UA -1.11% and billed before the Games as a competitive advantage—have a design flaw that may be slowing down skaters, according to three people familiar with the U.S. team.

Vents on back of the suit, designed to allow heat to escape, are also allowing air to enter and create drag that keeps skaters from staying in the low position they need to achieve maximum speed, these people said. One skater said team members felt they were fighting the suit to maintain correct form.

Several skaters, including Heather Richardson, ranked No. 1 in the 1,000 meters, sent their suits to an Under Armour seamstress Thursday to have the panel modified with an extra piece of rubber. After the alteration, Ms. Richardson finished seventh—more than a second slower than the winner.

As of Thursday night, no American has finished better than seventh place in any of the six long-track speedskating events held so far. Another six long-track events remain. In the 2010 Vancouver Games, the U.S. won four medals in speedskating.

Bert van der Tuuk, the designer of the Dutch Olympic team's suits, said Thursday he had tried a similar ventilation panel on the back of a prototype three years ago, but it slowed his skaters by letting in air and creating drag. "The suit was blowing itself up," he said.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/olympics/chi-us-olympic-speedskating-suits-20140214,0,2696239.story

The suit unveiled for Sochi was not used in competition prior to the Games. Skaters didn’t see the finished product until after making the Olympic team in the U.S. trials in December.