The science behind the catsuit: Experts reveal how Keely Hodgkinson's all-black speed suit helped propel her to victory

When middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson stormed to victory in London last week, the crowd were as wowed by her outfit as her performance.The 24-year-old donned an eye-catching black catsuit and hood as she came first in the Athlos 800-metre race.She crossed the finish line in one minute 56.40 seconds, more than two seconds ahead of her closest rival.Now, it’s emerged her one-of-a-kind speed suit was meticulously engineered using sport science, aerodynamic research and athlete testing.Nike, who designed the outfit, says every seam, panel and 3D-printed feature was created to help the Olympic champion waste less energy fighting drag and focus more on running fast.‘Hodgkinson’s open-back, full-length, hooded speed suit is designed to deliver the greatest aerodynamic benefit while offering a couture-level, handcrafted fit for maximum mobility and optimal comfort,’ Nike said. Hodkinson donned an eye-catching black catsuit and hood as she came first in the Athlos 800-metre race She crossed the finish line in one minute 56.40 seconds, more than two seconds ahead of her closest rival Nike has described the outfit as a ‘second skin, but faster’.While the company has not identified exactly what the suit is made of, it consists of a ‘strategic combination of fabrics’ chosen for different parts of the body.It was designed to accommodate Hodgkinson’s maximum stride length without creasing or bunching.The suit has minimal seams and no closures – such as zips – to reduce the amount of air resistance generated when running.An articulated back knee, that was pre-shaped to match the natural bend of the leg when running, allows the fabric to lie smoothly even during peak flexion.Meanwhile large openings at the underarms and the back help support the regulation of body temperature.And a ‘4D mobility gusset’ allows the hips and legs to move naturally through a running stride without the material pulling or bunching.‘Our team studied every detail of how Keely moves through space, ensuring the suit works with her stride, her mechanics and her race demands, creating a distraction-free fit that allows her to focus solely on performance,’ Hannah Amis, director of innovation apparel product design at Nike said. Nike also introduced dozens of iridescent vortex generators across key parts of the suit. These are tiny 3D-printed aerodynamic devices positioned along the shoulders, thighs, torso and hood These generate targeted ‘mini tornadoes’, Nike said, which force fast-moving air to attach to the slower airstreams trailing the body rather than separating into a drag-inducing wakeTo increase aerodynamic efficiency, Nike introduced a sleek speed hood to streamline Hodgkinson’s hair.It even features a small opening at the back – to allow her iconic blonde ponytail to be visible – and a sunglasses anchor to allow the arms to slot directly against her temples.Nike also introduced dozens of iridescent vortex generators across key parts of the suit.These are tiny 3D-printed aerodynamic devices positioned along the shoulders, thighs, torso and hood.They generate targeted ‘mini tornadoes’, Nike said, which force fast-moving air to attach to the slower airstreams trailing the body rather than separating into a drag-inducing wake.‘There’s a beautiful, healthy tension between mathematical function and visual aesthetic,’ Ms Amis said.‘We spent six months endlessly tweaking, shifting and obsessing over every detail.‘Even during our final meeting in Manchester, I checked in to see if she wanted to back out of the hood. She told me she was completely all in. When she pulls it up, it creates an absolute zero-distraction zone. She's locked in.’ The suit was designed to accommodate Hodgkinson’s maximum stride length without creasing or bunching Olympic champion Hodgkinson hinted the outfit could be here to stay, complete with a backless feature and ponytail cutoutFollowing her win, Hodgkinson admitted she was a ‘little nervous’ to walk out in the speed suit.'I'm honoured they let me put this on show,' said the Olympic champion. 'I was a little nervous, walking out.’Hodgkinson believes the suit meets legal standards, and while aerodynamics were of the utmost importance, she did negotiate one critical compromise.She revealed: 'The science was like technically with the air drag you're slower with your hair out, but I was like, “that's a non-negotiable. My hair is staying out.”‘I'm very much “look good, feel good” [and that] mental and physical balance.'