Gear Up for the 50s: What the New Olympic Events Mean for Swimwear

Imagine you’re standing on the blocks at a local meet, looking at the 50-meter pool ahead. You’re about to swim the 50 backstroke—an event that didn’t exist in Olympic swimming until 2028. That’s right: the Los Angeles Games will debut 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, and 50m butterfly for both men and women. As a coach or competitive swimmer, you need gear that fits these new sprint distances and the rules that come with them. Here’s how we decide what to wear and use when the race is barely 30 seconds long.

This guide is for competitive swimmers and coaches who are preparing for the new 50m events. We’re going to walk through the practical decisions—suit, goggles, cap, and even the pool itself—so you can perform at your best. No fluff, just what works.

1. Know the New Events and What They Demand

The 2028 Olympics will add 50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, bringing the total to 21 events. These are pure sprints—no turns except the finish, so every stroke counts. For backstroke, you start in the water, and the head must break the surface by the 15m mark after the start. For breaststroke, the head must break before the hands turn inward on the second stroke. Butterfly requires simultaneous arm recovery and a two-hand touch at the finish. These rules shape your gear choices: you need a suit that doesn’t restrict your range of motion, goggles that won’t fog on a quick start, and a cap that stays put.

2. Choose a Suit That’s Legal and Streamlined

Since 2010, World Aquatics has banned high-tech bodysuits. Men’s suits can only extend from waist to knees (jammers), and women’s from shoulders to knees. Every approved suit must have a World Aquatics tag. For a 50m sprint, we prefer a textile suit that’s snug but not restrictive. The LZR Racer, which was all the rage in 2008, is gone, but modern fabrics are still compressive and water-repellent. We look for a suit that minimizes drag without limiting shoulder rotation—especially for butterfly, where the arms must recover over the water.

What can go wrong: Wearing a suit that’s too loose creates drag, but one that’s too tight can cut off circulation and make you feel stiff. Test your suit in practice before race day.

3. Goggles: The Sprint-Specific Pick

For a 50m race, you don’t need fancy mirrored lenses for long distances. We choose low-profile goggles that sit close to the eye to reduce drag. Look for a seal that won’t leak during a dive, and an anti-fog coating that lasts. In a sprint, you don’t have time to adjust—so a secure strap is non-negotiable. We also test for comfort: if they hurt after 30 seconds, you’ll be distracted.

4. Caps: Keep the Drag Down, Keep the Hair Out

Silicone caps are our go-to for sprints because they’re low-drag and durable. Latex is cheaper but tears easily. We make sure the cap covers the ears and is smooth over the forehead. For backstroke, the cap’s seam shouldn’t create a ridge that catches water. We’ve seen caps fly off during a start—so we double-check that it’s snug.

5. Understand the Pool and Lane Conditions

Olympic pools are 50m long, 25m wide, with 10 lanes (8 used). Lane lines are anti-wave ropes that reduce backwash. For a sprint, you want a lane that’s not too turbulent—usually middle lanes. The water temperature is regulated between 25-28°C, which feels warm for sprints. We don’t wear extra layers in the water because we warm up on deck. The starting blocks are solid platforms with a rubber surface—no spring. So our shoes must be dry and non-slip.

6. Compare Your Gear Options

7. Prepare for the Rules That Affect Your Gear

Remember, pulling on the lane rope is an infraction, so your gear shouldn’t cause you to drift. In breaststroke, you can do one butterfly kick off the start and turns—so your suit must allow that dolphin motion. For backstroke, you can be fully submerged in the final 5m, so goggles that stay on are critical. And don’t forget: non-approved devices or tape are prohibited. So keep it simple.

Sources

• NBC Olympics: Swimming 101 Equipment, swimsuits and pool dimensions - https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/swimming-101-equipment-swimsuits-olympic-pool-dimensions
• NBC Olympics: Swimming at the 2028 Los Angeles Games - https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/swimming-2028-los-angeles-olympics
• World Aquatics Swimming Rules Reference Card (2023-2025) - https://eastswimming.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WA-Swimming-Reference-Card_13072023-Large-Print-Bold.pdf

Takeaway: For the new 50m events, prioritize a legal, snug suit, low-profile goggles, and a silicone cap. Test everything in practice, and remember that the pool and rules shape your choices—so check the lane lines, water temp, and starting block conditions before you race. With the right gear, you’ll shave precious tenths off your time.