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Image Not Available for Speedo 2004 Olympic swimming briefs worn by Craig Stevens
Speedo 2004 Olympic swimming briefs worn by Craig Stevens
Image Not Available for Speedo 2004 Olympic swimming briefs worn by Craig Stevens

Speedo 2004 Olympic swimming briefs worn by Craig Stevens

Maker
Datec 2004
Object number00040497
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon
DimensionsOverall: 270 x 370 mm
Clothing size: 18
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Craig Stevens
DescriptionThis pair of dark blue nylon swimming briefs was worn by Craig Stevens for training at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Made by Speedo, they are decorated in white with the Australian coat of arms, the Southern Cross, the Athens 2004 logo and the text ' AUSTRALIA'. HistoryAt the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed men to swim skirtless for the first time. The competition swimsuits however remained at the waist and with 20cm seams at each side. Gradually, FINA altered the requirements for international competition swimsuits, lowering the waist and raising the leg line to reduce the drag of the swimmer in water. By 1972, the side seams of men's competition swimming briefs had been reduced to 5cm and were made of close-fitting synthetic materials that minimised friction and reduced water retention. SignificanceThese training briefs, worn by Australian Olympian Craig Stevens, formed part of the range of swimwear produced by Speedo for the 2004 Australian Olympic swimming team.