A revolutionary bodysuit that British swimmers hope will help them power to medals at the Beijing Olympics could be banned. The skintight Speedo LZR Racer costume, which was developed with help from NASA scientists, has been worn in 16 world record-breaking swims in just six weeks since its launch, and now swimmers are clamoring to try it. But the sport’s governing body is worried that, because it apparently helps swimmers go faster, wearing it could constitute cheating.

Speedo sponsors the British team and Caitlin McClatchey (22), who won two gold medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is one of Britain’s brightest hopes and has already tried the costume. She said:

“I just dived in and it felt like I was gliding for ever. It was really effortless through the water.”

The LZR Racer, which Speedo spent £2million developing, works like an old-fashioned corset, squeezing a swimmer’s body into the sleekest shape possible. It is coated in water-resistant Teflon and welded together ultrasonically, meaning it has no noticeable seams.