The Big Speedo

Sara Dickerman tried out the latest in competition swimwear.

I was expecting the LZR Racer to be as hard to put on as the wetsuits I've worn for open-water racing—a pain-in-the-ass wriggle that makes you confront some of the more problematic parts of your body. But getting into the Speedo suit is much harder, like a lobster trying to molt backward.

Even before I hit the pool, the first effect of the LZR is evident: It is one hell of a girdle.

I should reiterate that the LZR is designed for the world's fastest swimmers. My taking one out for a spin is as dilettantish as a go-kart dabbler borrowing a Formula One race car for a test drive.