Don't be too surprised if sprinters at the Sydney Olympics later this year resemble stream-lined jets. Nike are currently developing a range of gear under Project Swift that will revolutionise sprinting uniforms as we know them - and may also drop a few world records along the way.
For a start, there will be new ultra-lightweight running spikes, which will be moulded around the athlete's foot and then "peeled" off after the event. They only problem there is that the disposable shoe can only be worn once. There will also be a new, low friction sprinting garment made of Lycra-power which is designed to limit muscle vibration during a race while also maintaining body temperature.
Nike's chief designer is Eddy Harber, a former body armour designer with the British army, and he has also developed a relay glove that features a glowing orange stripe to show where the baton should be placed. The glove, which also has a sticky palm, has already been approved by Olympic officials and will be tested by Nike-sponsored athletes such as Marion Jones and Michael Johnson.
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