No sly swimmers

[Razor X]

I saw maybe two swimmers from Eastern European countries with what looked like zero-guard buzz cuts but I didn't see any swimmers that were completely sly.  Not one.  I expected that at least half the guys would have their domes completely smooth.  Is it possible that the research that has shown that these new one piece top-and-bottom swimsuits are more aerodynamic than just the trunks, has also shown that wearing a cap is more aerodynamic than a bare, hairless head?

[Paul]

I noticed that too Razor.   I don't really see why the cap would be more aerodynamic than slick skin though.  I can understand the suit becasue of the streamlining it gives the body.  But the dome is already taut against the skull.  I swam competitively and for me there was a certain mental edge to being sly

[Razor X]

I don't really see why the cap would be more aerodynamic than slick skin though. 

I don't either.  But there's got to be a reason that everybody just stopped shaving their heads all at once.  It's certainly not for vanity reasons.  Swimmers were shaving their heads long before it was a fashionable look.

Aside from that, a shaved head is just more practical.  When you spend as much time in chlorinated water as these guys do, it can do some serious damage to your hair.  Being bald is just so much easier.

[Timmay]

I was surprised as well.  I thought for sure we would see a bunch of sly swimmers. I have often wondered about the one piece body suits though.  I guess they are made out of a good fiber..but they seem like they would be more constricting.  It makes watching them swim a little more at ease...because some of those speedos, well , lets just say, were a little skimpy.  What you all think about Phelps though....Awesome dude.  Good way to represent the good ol us of a

[Razor X]

I was surprised as well.  I thought for sure we would see a bunch of sly swimmers. I have often wondered about the one piece body suits though.  I guess they are made out of a good fiber..but they seem like they would be more constricting. 

I had the same thought.  Apparently there is less drag than there is with bare skin, but they are constricting.  That's why Phelps and some others don't wear them for the butterfly stroke, which requires a lot of upper body movement.

[Tyler]

There was one completely shaved swimmer, I believe from New Zealand.  I'll try to find his name.

[StumpyDave]

I think that there were a few in early rounds, but none of the big names are sly at the moment.
The cap can be used to tuck in ears as well so it can be more aquadynamic than just a shaved head.
The costumes are apparently difficult to get on/off as they are very tight.  One of the women's finals was delayed slightly because (from what I heard) one of the competitors had one split and had to change rapidly.

[Bensen]

Laszlo Cseh:

http://de.eurosport.yahoo.com/13082008/71/bild/united-states-gold-medal-winner-michael-phelps-looks-on-as.html

[Timmay]

check out that DOME!

[BALDANDRE]

I noticed that too..

weird I mean SLY is a swimming thing..

especially for big events....

I agree, how can the cap be more aerodynamic...well, I guys it covers up the ears..

but still, I'd shave it smooth like the New Zealand ..

of course!

Personally I don't think it'd work for the amazing Michael Phelps...

it would look awful..and THAT is coming from me!

[herronm]

I wonder if Headslick would be considered a illegal substance? 

[skiking]

When they put the caps on they are wishing they were really sly

[R o b 6]

I wonder if Headslick would be considered a illegal substance? 

good call. they're calling the suits "technological doping," so Headslick or a SLY head could be considered "dome doping."

[slyinglide]

With all the Medals that Mr. Phelps won and all the World records that he shattered, you can only sit back in AWE.  For us older people, I can still remember when Mark Spitz won those 7 Gold Medals and all he had to do it with was a swim suit, that by todays standard is a beach suit, and his own muscles.....He didnt wear a speed suit, or a hair cap he even won with his ever present mustache. Am i impressed with the swimmers today yea kind of,  but lets bring back the old days and have the Medals won with personal exertion and not with "technological doping," (thanks Rob6)  that term fits here.

them I think we would see every male swimmers dome in all it's glory

[Razor X]

Personally I don't think it'd work for the amazing Michael Phelps...

it would look awful..and THAT is coming from me!

You know, I was thinking the same thing when I saw him on TV earlier tonight.  It would draw more attention to his huge ears and nose.  He's really not a good-looking guy.