Speedo® Extends Partnership with Top U.S. Freestyler Garrett Weber-Gale
Olympic Gold Medalist and Freestyle Specialist Continues Relationship with SpeedoLOS ANGELES (June 24, 2010) — SPEEDO®, the division of Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., today announced that 24-year-old swim star Garrett Weber-Gale has renewed his partnership with SPEEDO®. Weber-Gale, a double gold medalist in Beijing as part of World Record-setting men's 4x100m freestyle relay and the medley relay team, first joined Team Speedo in 2008 following a decorated career at the University of Texas. Looking ahead to the London Games, Weber-Gale will continue to swim and train in SPEEDO®.
At the 2008 Olympic Trials, Weber-Gale set a new American Record in the 50m free which stood for more than a year. A member of the 2005, 2007 and 2009 U.S. World Championship teams, Weber-Gale has become a fixture on the men's relay squad. He won his first national title in the 100m free at the 2004 U.S. Nationals and his first NCAA title in the 100y free in 2006.
A Wisconsin native, Weber-Gale continues to train in Austin under award-winning coach Eddie Reese at Longhorn Aquatics; he is represented by Peter Carlisle of Octagon. A food enthusiast, Weber-Gale co-founded a company called AthleticFoodieTM that is dedicated to helping people live a healthy lifestyle through better nutrition and great-tasting food.
U.S. Butterfly Star Christine Magnuson Signs with Speedo®
Olympic Silver Medalist and Butterfly Specialist Joins Team SpeedoLOS ANGELES (April 13, 2010) - SPEEDO®, the division of Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., today announced that 24-year-old swim star Christine Magnuson has signed with the brand through 2012. One of the top female butterfly swimmers in the world, Magnuson won silver in the 100m fly at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Magnuson also represented the U.S. at the 2009 World Championships in Rome where she competed in the 100m fly and 400m free and medley relays.
A standout at the University of Tennessee, Magnuson burst onto the scene by winning the 2008 NCAA National Championship in the 100-yard fly. She then went on to win the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter butterfly in Olympic Trials meet record time. In addition to her individual silver in the 100m fly in Beijing, Magnuson helped the U.S. women's medley relay team win silver at her first-ever Olympic Games.
"I'm very excited to join Team Speedo," said Magnuson. "I look forward to working with the brand as I look ahead to London 2012 and I appreciate Speedo's support both in and out of the pool."
"Christine is one of the top female butterfliers in the world and we are very pleased to welcome her to Team Speedo," said Helen McCluskey, President, Warnaco Swimwear Group. "As Speedo develops new and innovative product, we look forward to Christine's feedback as part of our athlete advisory team."
A captain of the Tennessee Volunteers women's swim team, Magnuson helped elevate the team to a top-10 squad and left the Lady Vol's as one of the most illustrious swimmers in school history. In her collegiate career, Magnuson earned 23 All-American honors while being named the 2008 SEC Women's Swimmer of the Year and posting eight school records – as well as earning SEC All-Academic honors and the honor of 2008 SEC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year.
An Illinois native and daughter of a swim coach, Magnuson currently trains in Arizona at Tucson Ford Dealers Aquatics under coaches Frank Busch and Dan Colella; she is represented by David Arluck of Arluck Promotions.
Macy's and Speedo® invite you to meet world-champion swimmer Michael Phelps
Macy's Herald Square Men's on the Lower Level Saturday, April 24 at 1pmNEW YORK (April 24, 2010) — Macy's and Speedo invite you to meet world-champion swimmer Michael Phelps and preview their newest swim gear!
Dive head first into an afternoon of underwater fashion with swimming sensation, Michael Phelps!
The tide will be high as America's golden boy, Michael Phelps, drops by to show you what's new at Speedo. Don't miss this opportunity to meet one of the greatest swimmers of all time and check out the hottest aquatic swimwear and accessories—just in time for summer!
Shop for a keepsake—and a good cause! Spend $50 or more on regular-priced Speedo merchandise on the day of the event and have a commemorative photo* taken with Michael. Plus, Macy's will donate 10% of the proceeds of men's Speedo sales April 23 - 25, 2010 to The Michael Phelps Foundation.
The Michael Phelps Foundation works to promote the sport of swimming and healthy, active lives for children. To learn more, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org.
Event subject to change or cancellation. *While time permits; all photos will be provided by Macy's.
Collegiate Star and top U.S. Swimmer Dana Vollmer signs with Speedo®
Cal Standout Inks Contract with SpeedoLOS ANGELES (March 23, 2010) — SPEEDO®, the division of Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., today announced that 22-year-old swim star Dana Vollmer has signed with the brand through 2012. Vollmer is off to a fast start in 2010, most recently competing at the Austin Grand Prix where she raced in the new SPEEDO® LZR Racer Elite suit and took home four titles, finishing first in the 100m free, 100 fly, 200m free and 200m fly. Vollmer's 54.30 in the 100m free at that meet is second-fastest time in the world.
A collegiate swim star at the University of California, Berkeley, Vollmer made history last year by claiming four NCAA titles - including individual titles in the 100y and 200y free - and helping lead the Bears to Cal's first-ever NCAA team championship. Vollmer finished her senior season as the NCAA Swimmer of the Year and a Honda Sports Award winner. That same year, Vollmer won the 100m free and 200m free at U.S. Nationals; at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, she won silver in the 800m free relay and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
"Ever since I was a young swimmer, I envisioned myself as part of the Speedo family," said Vollmer. "I am proud to join Team Speedo as I embark on my professional swim career."
"We are very pleased to welcome Dana to Team Speedo," said Helen McCluskey, President, Warnaco Swimwear Group. "Watching her compete at the NCAA Championships, U.S. Nationals and the 2009 World Championships, it is quite clear that she has a very bright future in the sport."
A member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team at only 16-years-old, Vollmer won gold as part of the women's World Record-setting 800m free relay team in Athens. A key member of the U.S. women's squad, Vollmer has won six relay medals on the world stage, including gold in the 800m free relay and silver in the 400m free and 400m medley relays at the 2007 World Championships and gold in the 800m free relay at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships.
The Texas native continues to train in Berkeley at California Aquatics under long-time coaches Teri McKeever and Ron Forrest. Vollmer is represented by Lindsay Kagawa and Marissa Nilon of the Wasserman Media Group.
Speedo® Extends Partnership with Natalie Coughlin through 2013
The most decorated female swimmer of the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games renews her career-spanning relationship with Speedo as she looks to make history again in LondonLOS ANGELES (March 4, 2010) — SPEEDO®, the division of Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., today announced the extension of its long-time partnership with 11-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin through 2013. Coughlin, the most decorated female swimmer in Athens and Beijing, has worn SPEEDO® swimwear her entire career and will continue to represent the brand as she looks ahead to London. After an 18-month break from swimming following the Beijing Games - which included a Hollywood star-making turn on ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" - Coughlin returns to competition at the Austin Grand Prix, March 4-6, where she will race in the new SPEEDO® LZR Racer Elite Suit.
A Team Speedo star since 2004, Coughlin is aiming to make her third Olympic team in 2012 where she would have the opportunity to become the most decorated American female swimmer of all time - with 11 Olympic medals earned in two Olympics, Coughlin is only one medal shy of Jenny Thompson's record 12 medals (earned in four Olympics), the most in swimming history.
A veteran on the U.S. team and a leader in the sport, the upcoming Austin Grand Prix marks Coughlin's first meet back in the pool since her medal record-breaking performance at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where she made history as the first U.S. female swimmer to win six medals at a single Olympics and the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic titles in her specialty, the 100m backstroke.
"Speedo's support both in and out of the pool has helped me grow into the swimmer I am today," said Coughlin. "I have been a part of the Speedo family my entire professional career and I am proud to continue to represent the brand as I look ahead to London."
"Natalie is not only one of the most decorated swimmers of all time, but she is a truly great ambassador for the sport of swimming," said Helen McCluskey, President, Warnaco Swimwear Group.
An extremely versatile swimmer, Coughlin has won a medal in every single Olympic event she's ever entered and left both the 2008 and 2004 Olympic Games as the most decorated female athlete with six and five medals respectively. She won gold in the 100m backstroke, silver in the 400m free relay, 800m free relay and 400m medley relay, and bronze in the 100m freestyle and 200m IM in Beijing. At the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Coughlin won five medals, then a new record, including gold in the 100m backstroke and the 800m free relay, silver in the 400m free relay and 400m medley relay, and bronze in the 100m free. She also left the 2007 World Championships as the most decorated female swimmer in World Championship history.
Outside of the pool, Coughlin's commitment to a natural lifestyle and green living is furthered by her passions of surfing, cooking, health & fitness and photography.
The Bay-Area native continues to train at California Aquatics under long-time Speedo coach Teri McKeever.
Coughlin is represented by Janey Miller of Octagon.
Team Speedo swimmers include Olympic Medalists Michael Phelps (USA), Ryan Lochte (USA), Katie Hoff (USA), Libby Trickett (AUS), Eamon Sullivan (AUS), Park Tae Hwan (KOR) and Rebecca Adlington (GBR).
The New Generation: Speedo® Launches The New LZR Racer® Elite Suit
Inspired by Speedo's revolutionary LZR RACER® speed suit, the new LZR Racer Elite is fully compliant with FINA 2010 and USA Swimming regulations; will be worn by Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Natalie CoughlinLOS ANGELES (December 03, 2009) — SPEEDO®, the world's leading swimwear brand, has launched the Speedo® LZR Racer Elite — its new evolution of performance swimwear inspired by the record-breaking Speedo LZR Racer suit. A new generation of advanced textile swimsuit, the LZR Racer Elite offers a distinctive combination of cutting-edge fabric, design and construction for a smoother shape, reduced drag and optimal flexibility; all within FINA's new rules for 2010 and compliant with rules governing collegiate, high school and club swimming in the United States. The LZR Racer Elite will make its U.S. debut at the 2009 USA Swimming Short Course Nationals in Federal Way, Wash. (Dec. 3-5).
"Speedo has supported me throughout my career and has always provided me with the best technology," said Michael Phelps, Speedo-sponsored swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time. "I'm excited about the launch of Speedo's new generation suits under the FINA 2010 rules and look forward to competing in the new Speedo LZR Racer Elite suit at the upcoming Duel in the Pool meet and beyond."
Developed in the Speedo Aqualab® and utilizing the technology developed for the Speedo LZR Racer suit, the Speedo® LZR Racer Elite incorporates the same fully bonded construction with ultrasonically welded seams for the ultimate smooth, flexible and streamlined surface. Made from exclusive ultra-lightweight, low drag LZR Pulse® fabric, the suit is engineered to fit the swimmer's body for a streamlined shape while reducing muscle oscillation, enabling them to cut through the water more efficiently. Also featuring Speedo's unique 3D, three-piece dynamically engineered pattern for optimum fit and shape, the Speedo LZR Racer Elite is Speedo's most advanced performance racing suit.
"For over 80 years, Speedo has consistently pioneered swimsuit innovations," said Paula Schneider, President of Speedo USA. "The LZR Racer Elite is the newest generation of Speedo's high performance swimwear and is designed, under the new FINA rules, to continue to help the athlete perform at his / her best. As we move forward in to 2010 and look ahead into 2012, Speedo's commitment to the sport of swimming continues at every level, from grassroots to elite."
The new Speedo LZR Racer Elite suit is available in the male Jammer silhouette and female Recordbreaker Kneeskin and Recordbreaker silhouettes. Beginning this December, the LZR Elite will retail at www.speedousa.com and through Speedo Team Dealers for $270 - $375, depending on the silhouette.
Within this new generation Speedo® LZR Racer® range, the brand is also set to debut the new Speedo LZR Racer Pro suit in Spring 2010. Featuring a high durability variant of the LZR Pulse fabric and the same 3D pattern as the LZR Racer Elite series, the LZR Racer Pro will round out Speedo's most comprehensive, technically advanced range of textile race suits, all compliant to FINA 2010 regulations.
Team Speedo® swimmers include Olympic Medalists Michael Phelps (USA), Natalie Coughlin (USA), Ryan Lochte (USA), Katie Hoff (USA), Libby Trickett (AUS), Eamon Sullivan (AUS), Park Tae Hwan (KOR) and Rebecca Adlington (GBR).
SPEEDO® is a registered trademark of and used under license from Speedo International Ltd. Warnaco Swimwear, Inc., a division of The Warnaco Group, Inc. (NYSE: WRC), is the authorized licensee of the SPEEDO® trademark in North American and the Caribbean.
Michael Phelps and Speedo® Surprise Swim Pasadena With Once-in-a-Lifetime Coaching Session
With the help of Coach Terry Stoddard and Speedo, Phelps surprised the Swim Pasadena team and served as coach for a special workout designed to motivate, inspire and teachLOS ANGELES (November 30, 2009) — In SPEEDO® USA's inaugural "Surprise a Swim Team" event, superstar Michael Phelps visited Swim Pasadena and served as a special guest coach for a once-in-a-lifetime morning workout designed to celebrate and inspire the team. With the help of Coach Terry Stoddard, Phelps and Speedo were able to completely surprise the youth swimmers, who thought they were participating in a typical Saturday morning workout. After addressing the shocked team, Phelps led the in-water workout and offered guidance and training advice to each swimmer. The special session ended with an exciting "get out swim" in which Phelps raced two relay teams from Swim Pasadena.
"It's really exciting to be able to give back to the sport that has helped me accomplish so many dreams and goals that I've always had," said Phelps after the event. "These guys are the swimmers who are going to be there when I retire so being able to be here at Swim Pasadena and pass it along to these guys and encourage them to dream big and really never to give up is something that I think is pretty cool."
"Swim Pasadena and I are grateful to Speedo for giving us the opportunity," said Coach Stoddard. "It's so wonderful that Michael has time in his schedule to spend with the youth and it was so great to see him give back — and to be so relaxed as a coach. Before Michael came out, we asked our swimmers what they expected and no one expected that it would be Michael. It was a priceless experience that we'll all remember at Swim Pasadena."
A Team Speedo star since 2001, Phelps' relationship with Speedo goes beyond a traditional endorsement contract. Phelps used the $1 million bonus he earned from Speedo for his record medal haul in Beijing to start the Michael Phelps Foundation. As part of Phelps' new Speedo deal, which was announced in September and extends through 2013, the brand will donate $10,000 to the Michael Phelps Foundation for every World Record Phelps sets; Michael has promised to match each $10,000 donation as well. As Speedo and Phelps work together to grow the sport of swimming globally, this special "Surprise a Swim Team" event was designed not only to support Speedo and Phelps' shared mission to grow the sport of swimming but to also celebrate and give back to the swimming community.
To view behind-the-scenes video and photos of Michael's surprise visit to Swim Pasadena, be sure to visit Speedo USA's Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/SpeedoUSA; news of the event can also be found at www.speedousa.com.
Team Speedo® Stars Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte Win Big at the 2009 Golden Goggle Awards
It was a golden night for swimming in Hollywood on Sunday at the 2009 Golden Goggle Awards held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Team Speedo stars Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Natalie Coughlin, Dara Torres, Katie Hoff, Garrett Weber-Gale and Margaret Hoelzer were in attendance at the 5th annual Awards, along with Hollywood celebrities like Owen Wilson, Greg Kinnear and Brooke Burns. Phelps and Lochte were the big winners of the evening as they both took home two awards a piece.
Lochte won the Golden Goggle for Male Athlete of the Year in honor of his dominant performance in Rome. The two-time Olympian won gold the 200m IM and 800m free relay — both in World Record time — at the 2009 FINA World Championships. Lochte left Rome with five medals and also took home two national titles this summer.
Phelps added some additional hardware to his collection as he took home the Golden Goggle for Male Race of the Year for his 100m fly swim at the World Championships in Rome. Not only did Phelps win gold and break the world record in that event, he also became the first person in history to break the 50 second barrier.
Lochte and Phelps, teammates on the record-breaking 400m free relay in Rome, both took home their second awards of the night in the Relay Performance of the Year category for that race.
University of Texas and Longhorn Aquatics Head Coach Eddie Reese won the Coach of the Year award for placing six athletes on the men's team at World Championships. Reese is a longtime Speedo Advisory Coach.
Stay tuned to www.speedousa.com and Speedo USA's Facebook Fan Page for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2009 Golden Goggle Awards and red carpet interviews with Phelps, Lochte, Coughlin, Torres, Hoff and many more.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Speedo® USA Launches Special Online Charity Event in Support of the Michael Phelps Foundation
Speedo gave 5% of total sales at SpeedoUSA.com to the Michael Phelps FoundationLOS ANGELES (November 19, 2009) — Speedo® USA has launched a special online event at SpeedoUSA.com in support of the Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF), a charitable organization committed to growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy and active lives. From November 18th through November 22, 2009, Speedo gave 5% of total sales at speedousa.com to the Michael Phelps Foundation when consumers shopped on the site.
A Team Speedo star since 2001, Phelps' relationship with Speedo goes beyond a traditional endorsement contract. Phelps used the $1 million bonus he earned from Speedo for his record medal haul in Beijing to start the Michael Phelps Foundation. As part of Phelps' new Speedo deal, which was announced in September and extends through 2013, the brand will donate $10,000 to the Michael Phelps Foundation for every World Record Phelps sets. As Speedo and Phelps work together to grow the sport of swimming globally, this new online promotion is a further commitment to the brand and Phelps' shared vision.
"As we work together to grow the sport of swimming, this online program will benefit the Michael Phelps Foundation in many ways," said Phelps. "I'd like to thank Speedo — and all the Speedo shoppers out there — for their support."
The mission of the Michael Phelps Foundation is to promote healthy, active lives, especially for children, primarily by expanding opportunities in the sport of swimming, both nationally and internationally. For more information on the Michael Phelps Foundation, please visit www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org.
Team Speedo® Star Michael Phelps Headlines Golden Goggle Ballot
USA Swimming Foundation announces nominees for the 2009 Golden Goggle AwardsThe USA Swimming Foundation today released the nominations for the Golden Goggle Awards, a star-studded awards gala celebrating the accomplishments of top American swimmers in 2009. The event will take place Sunday, November 22 at the Beverly Hilton and will feature several Team Speedo stars from the 2009 U.S. World Championships swim team, including Michael Phelps (Baltimore, Md.), Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach, Fla.), and Dara Torres (Parkland, Fla.).
This year's event will be hosted by Emmy-nominated sports broadcaster Dan Hicks and will mix entertainment industry celebrities with the top swimming stars in the United States. Hicks has been the voice of Olympic swimming since 1996 and is also a host of NBC's Emmy award-winning golf coverage. A total of eight Golden Goggle awards will be presented this year, including Male and Female Athlete of the Year.
Fans can vote for the winners online at www.GoldenGoggles.com. Online voting begins October 16, and will continue through November 18.
Phelps headlines the ballot with three individual nominations and three relay nominations. He is followed by Lochte, who earned four nominations.
The nominees for 2009 Male Athlete of the Year include Speedo's top male swimmers, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Phelps and Lochte combined for 9 gold medals at the 2009 World Championships. In addition to their individual medals, Phelps and Lochte captured gold in both the 400m and 800m free relays, while Phelps also swam a leg of the gold-medal 400m medley relay. Both swimmers broke individual world records this summer.
The Coach of the Year ballot includes several Team Speedo Coaches, including Bob Bowman (North Baltimore), Eddie Reese (Longhorn Aquatics), Dave Salo (Trojan Swim Club), and Gregg Troy (Gator Swim Club). Each of these nominees coached a swimmer to individual World Championship gold in 2009.
The Golden Goggle Awards serve as a fundraiser for the USA Swimming Foundation, which strives to make communities better through the sport of swimming. Among its initiatives is the Make a Splash initiative, a national, child-focused water safety campaign that strives to provide swim lessons for children who otherwise could not afford them.
Visit www.GoldenGoggles.com to vote for our Team Speedo stars now!
Speedo® Championship Suit Update
In an ongoing effort to help consumers understand which Speedo® championship suits are approved based on various organizational jurisdictions, please read the below.
FINA
Today, FINA published their list of approved swimsuits for 2010 competition. To view the list, visit www.fina.org
Speedo® is pleased to announce that its new generation of performance swimwear inspired by the Speedo® LZR Racer® suit has been approved by FINA. The range is fully compliant with the new FINA rules that come into effect from January 2010.
The Speedo® LZR Racer® Elite suit and Speedo® LZR Racer® Pro suit will be phased-in to the market from November 2009 and Spring 2010, respectively.
FINA has also approved the following styles:
Speedo LZR Racer Elite
Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker, Style #7190805Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker Knee, Style #7190804
Male LZR Racer Elite Jammer, Style #7050804
Speedo Fastskin FS Pro
Female Recordbreaker, Style #7190803Female Kneeskin, Style #7190102
Male Jammer, Style #7050170
Speedo Fastskin FSII
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #7190142, Youth Style #7190141Male Jammer, Adult Style #7050154, Youth Style #7050153
Male Brief, Adult Style #7055001
Speedo Aquablade
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #719040, Youth Style #719039Male Jammer, Adult Style #705966, Youth Style #705965
Male Brief, Adult Style #705032, Youth Style #705031
USA Swimming
USA Swimming has ruled to implement new swimsuit restrictions on October 1, rather than January 1, when FINA is expected to do the same.
To view the USA Swimming criteria, visit www.usaswimming.org
As these criteria are written, we understand that the following styles are approved for USA Swimming competition.
Speedo LZR Racer Elite
Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker, Style #7190805Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker Knee, Style #7190804
Male LZR Racer Elite Jammer, Style #7050804
Speedo Fastskin FS Pro
Female Recordbreaker, Style #7190803Female Kneeskin, Style #7190102
Male Jammer, Style #7050170
Speedo Fastskin FSII
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #7190142, Youth Style #7190141Male Jammer, Adult Style #7050154, Youth Style #7050153
Male Brief, Adult Style #7055001
Speedo Aquablade
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #719040, Youth Style #719039Male Jammer, Adult Style #705966, Youth Style #705965
Male Brief, Adult Style #705032, Youth Style #705031
College & High School
As the rules are written now, we understand that the same styles are legal for NCAA and high school competitions.
Speedo LZR Racer Elite
Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker, Style #7190805Female LZR Racer Elite Recordbreaker Knee, Style #7190804
Male LZR Racer Elite Jammer, Style #7050804
Speedo Fastskin FS Pro
Female Recordbreaker, Style #7190803Female Kneeskin, Style #7190102
Male Jammer, Style #7050170
Speedo Fastskin FSII
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #7190142, Youth Style #7190141Male Jammer, Adult Style #7050154, Youth Style #7050153
Male Brief, Adult Style #7055001
Speedo Aquablade
Female Recordbreaker, Adult Style #719040, Youth Style #719039Male Jammer, Adult Style #705966, Youth Style #705965
Male Brief, Adult Style #705032,Youth Style #705031
are registered trademarks of and used under license from Speedo International Limited.