With researchers finding drug-resistant bacteria in the host city of the 2016 Olympics, some of the world’s best athletes convening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are exposed to a level of risk. To answer this, a textile engineer from Philadelphia University developed anti-microbial suits as an extra measure of safety.
Mark Sunderland will perhaps save a few athletes with his ingenious design. He created a unisuit for rowers that will not hamper the athlete’s performance being lightweight and seamless.
Source: Philadelphia University Today
The suit has an anti-microbial finish, knitted into the suits. Producing such textile doesn’t produce more than one gram of waste, making this an eco-friendly garment.
The provider of these special unisuits is Philadelphia-based Boathouse Sports, whose founder is former Olympic rower John Strotbeck III.
Source: Philadelphia University Today
Among the first to try and fit this suit is Chierika Ukogo, who was born in the said state and will compete as Nigeria’s first ever Olympic rower. She describes the suits to be perfectly fit that she ‘can’t even feel it.’ She will wear the green suit. The blue and white unisuits will be worn by athletes coming from the United States.
Its maker warned though that this shouldn’t be treated as a medical device, and just an added layer of protection to the rowers.