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By John Millis, About.com Guide to Space / Astronomy

Michael Phelps and Olympic Swimmers Shattering Records in NASA-Tested Suit

Tuesday August 19, 2008
Michael Phelps of the United States has now won more Olympic gold medals than any athlete in the modern era, thanks to a new fabric tested in NASA Langley's 7- by 11-Inch Low Speed Wind Tunnel. Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, the US Swimming team and other swimmers from around the world are setting new world records with the help of a new "space age" fabric.

Both Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin were helpful in the development of the skin-tight body suits as was aerospace engineer Steve Wilkinson from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Wilkinson says it's no different than reducing drag for planes, helping them fly more efficiently. Reducing drag helps swimmers go faster.

Image Credit: Jeff Gross / Getty Images

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