The Making of the Ultimate Bodysuit: Ian Thorpe and the Adidas Jet Concept

The video discusses the development of the Adidas Jet concept bodysuit, a result of a three-year collaboration aimed at enhancing swimming performance. The suit employs riblet technology to reduce drag, a significant factor in swimming speed. The Adidas Innovation team faced challenges in design, particularly in fluid dynamics and material flexibility. Testing involved wind tunnels and real-world trials with elite swimmers, including Ian Thorpe. Feedback led to adjustments in riblet positioning and material elasticity, ultimately improving the suit's performance.

What is the primary goal of the Adidas Jet concept bodysuit?

• To enhance the swimmer's speed

• To improve the swimmer's comfort

• To reduce the swimmer's fatigue

• To increase the swimmer's buoyancy

What technology did the Adidas team use to address the form drag problem?

• Hydrodynamic shaping

• Riblet technology

• Aerodynamic fins

• Water-repellent coating

Which company originally developed the riblet tape used in the bodysuit?

• Puma

• Under Armour

• 3M

• Nike

What was the main challenge in using silicon for the riblets?

• Its flexibility

• Its cost

• Its shapeability

• Its weight

Where was the prototype suit tested on elite swimmers?

• USA

• Finland

• Germany

• Australia

What was Ian Thorpe's initial reaction to wearing the prototype suit?

• He found it too tight

• He thought it was perfect

• He split it

• He felt it was too loose

What was a key factor in achieving the suit's final level of sophistication?

• Advanced computer modeling

• Ian Thorpe's cooperation

• New material discovery

• Increased funding