"Following Victor Kosickin's triumphs, a new era, the "Neylon Era," was ushered in"
In the 1960s, a remarkable story unfolded in the world of speed skating. Soviet athlete Viktor Kosichkin, in search of an edge to improve his performance, made a bold move that would change the sport forever.
During a training session with the American team, Kosichkin discovered the benefits of women's nylon tights. Designed to reduce air resistance, these tights offered a significant aerodynamic advantage, and Kosichkin saw an opportunity. Despite traditional gender norms, he decided to wear them, hoping to benefit from their aerodynamic advantage.
This decision, made at the World Championships in Davos, Switzerland, would prove to be a game-changer. Kosichkin's use of the tights was met with scepticism by some, but the results spoke for themselves. Before the Olympics in the USA that same year, he broke the world record on the 3 km distance by a full 20 seconds during a training session.
At the Olympics, Soviet athletes, including Kosichkin, won six gold medals, a feat that further cemented the impact of his innovative choice. The so-called nylon era in speed skating began due to Kosichkin's victories in women's tights and a tight-fitting sweater.
The use of synthetic material in speed skating costumes significantly reduced air resistance, providing a warmer and more aerodynamic alternative to traditional clothing. Records on all distances were rewritten in suits made of synthetic material. In his makeshift bodysuit, Kosichkin ran so fast that his coach thought the stopwatch was broken.
The legend of Kosichkin's use of women's nylon tights is told by sports commentator Vladimir Osipov. Some people consider the story a joke, but the fact remains: after his victories, the nylon era began in speed skating.
Despite the controversy, Kosichkin's actions were not without precedent. He had asked the American female athletes for clothing to keep warm during the competition. When they offered him women's nylon tights, he cut off the bottom part to wear them as pants.
Coach Konstantin Kudryavtsev almost lost his job for trying to sew an aerodynamic bodysuit from the state flag. However, the success of Kosichkin's innovative approach proved that sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to remarkable achievements.
The story of Viktor Kosichkin and his women's nylon tights serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. It is a tale that continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding us that sometimes, the most unexpected choices can lead to the greatest victories.
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