About Olympic Swimming Goggles
Equipment for Olympic swimmers is usually highly specialized, top-of-the-line merchandise that has been specifically engineered for that level of competitive swimming. When it comes to goggles, this is not usually the case. Olympic swimming goggles are small, streamlined eyewear suitable for many types of swimming and affordable for most people.
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History
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The invention of the swimming goggle goes back to before 1300 B.C., when Persian divers used a type of eyewear made from polished tortoise shells to see under the water. The modern goggle did not appear until the 1930s, when writer Guy Gilpatrick tried to waterproof a pair of aviation goggles in order to skin dive. These worked through the use of window putty on the edges, which kept water from leaking through. After this, more professional types of goggles were designed, but none were allowed to be used in the Olympics until 1976 despite the fact that the swimmers trained in them.
Function
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Swimming goggles are intended to allow a swimmer to see under the water without the risk of getting chlorine water in the eyes. This is particularly important in Olympic-level competitive swimming, where a crooked stroke or missed flip-turn can cause a swimmer to slow down or be disqualified. In some events, it is imperative that a swimmer be able to see the flags or markers, or to read the number of laps she has completed. A good pair of goggles should be comfortable, easy to use and provide adequate visibility.
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Types
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Some of the most popular types of goggles worn by Olympic swimmers are the affordable Swedish style by Malmsten, the Speedo Vanquisher and the TYR Nest Pro, which was designed for the 2008 Olympics. Michael Phelps wore a pair of Speedo Speed Sockets during his swims in the 2004 Olympics. Other professional-quality goggles include the Nike Swift Strapless and the Barracuda. The wide range of goggle choices allows Olympic swimmers to select the pair that best fits their face shapes and individual sport needs.
Features
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All Olympic-quality swimming goggles keep out water and prevent fogging. The variability exists in comfort and adjustability, and no single type will work for every person. The Swedish goggles, with their simple design and reliable function, are often a favorite. These consist of plain eye cups with no foam seal, and detachable nose and head pieces that can be adjusted to any face. Speed Socket and Vanquisher goggles are also easily fitted but feature a comfort fit seal on the eye cups. The Nike Swift Strapless goggles are the only pair that feature no nose piece or head strap, and are instead attached by medical adhesive pads.
Considerations
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Swimming goggles are not usable very far underwater due to the pressure exerted on the eyes. Olympic swimmers swim only a few feet below the surface, yet often eye pressure is a deciding factor in choosing a pair of goggles because too much pressure makes the goggles uncomfortable and too little allows water to seep through the sides. Additionally, goggle pressure can affect whether the pair will stay properly on a swimmer's face during a dive or flip-turn. In the Olympics, leaky or lost goggles can mean the difference between a big win and a devastating loss.
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