“We’re sorry, the article ID you requested does not exist for this site.”
Those are the words that appear at a university URL that formerly hosted an article about the now-infamous Mach 39 speedskating suit that was tested at this university’s Glenn L. Martin Wind Tunnel. They’re perhaps indicative of disappointment, unexpected failure and, ultimately, a desire to erase the memory of a lackluster performance shown by a team that was supposed to be wearing the fastest suit in the world.
Less than one week ago, the fact that Under Armour had tested its new Olympic speed suit in university facilities was something worth boasting. Now, amid controversy stemming from widespread poor showings from Team USA speedskaters in Sochi, Russia, plenty of those involved — including this university — seem to want to forget.
Questions have been raised about whether a suit could hamper a speedskater enough to push someone like Shani Davis, a two-time gold medalist in the 1,000 meters, to eighth place.
The Mach 39 has been criticized for vents on the back, designed to allow body heat to escape and give skaters a surge of speed. Instead of boosting speedskaters, some say the suit has slowed racers with unintended aerodynamic drag.
Ted Morris, executive director of U.S. Speedskating, said there was no proof in the claim that the suits were the problem.
“The evidence does not suggest that the suits have contributed to the disappointing results to date,” Morris said in a Feb. 13 article published by The Baltimore Sun.
Under Armour has also stood by the suit since the beginning of the games.
“We are committed to providing Team USA with the best possible gear, and Mach 39 is the most scientifically advanced and rigorously tested suit ever featured in Olympic competition,” said Kevin Haley, a senior vice president of the company, in a statement.
