Explain why speed skaters wear tight-fitting suits in competition?

To reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics.

Speed skaters wear very tight suits for a good reason: to glide quickly without being slowed down by air. The more a suit floats or has folds, the more it creates drag that hinders the athlete. The form-fitting suit perfectly hugs the body and minimizes this resistance to the maximum. Its special material, often smooth and sometimes textured in certain areas, further contributes to aerodynamics, allowing the skater to move faster while expending less energy. Less drag means more speed and a clear advantage on the ice.

To promote freedom of movement and muscular efficiency.

Fitted suits allow skaters to move freely, without floating fabrics or bothersome folds. This results in smoother movements, which helps conserve muscle energy during intense efforts. With a flexible and stretchy fabric, the muscles remain supported without being overly compressed, preserving their efficiency. The skater can thus adopt precise, quick, and powerful gestures, without hindrance or unnecessary loss of strength.

To regulate body temperature during exercise

The fitted suits of speed skaters are made from special materials designed to wick away sweat quickly. As a result, it prevents the accumulation of sweat that would cool the body too fast or cause overheating. By keeping the skin dry, the suit helps the body maintain an optimal stable temperature throughout the race. The breathable fabrics used allow just the right amount of air to pass through to prevent the skater from getting too hot or too cold. They therefore serve as a kind of portable thermal regulator.

To reduce irritation caused by friction

With their special materials and close-fitting design, skaters' suits directly limit repeated friction on the skin. A poorly fitting outfit rubs, irritates, and over time, it can really hurt, especially during an entire competition. Thanks to these smooth and elastic fabrics that perfectly conform to their movements, skaters avoid redness and other bothersome burns. This allows them to move at full capacity without being hindered or slowed down by unnecessary discomfort, which is crucial when every second counts.

To facilitate accurate tracking of performance and posture.

Fitted suits allow coaches and specialists to better analyze the movements of skaters. As they closely fit the body shape, it becomes easier to assess posture, body alignment, and technical quality. With a clear visibility of the engaged muscles and joints, it becomes simple to quickly identify mistakes or improvements in performance. Some models even incorporate connected sensors that provide real-time biomechanical data of the athlete, thus facilitating immediate corrections during training.