Skip navigation
Sports Biz Video Gallery
A long-time Thanksgiving tradition in Motor City is now in danger, reports CNBC's Darren Rovell.
CNBC's Darren Rovell takes a look at 3-D sports television.
darren rovell's sports index
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
See all Sports Biz PostsSports Biz with Darren Rovell
Text Size
Aug.13
7:23 AM ET
Wednesday, 13 Aug 2008
Speedo's Goggle Sputter With Michael Phelps

Outfitting Michael Phelps' swimsuit and goggles for the Olympian's all-time gold record-setting performance Wednesday morning in Beijing was supposed to be another coup for Speedo.

It turned into a nightmare of sorts when the now 11-time gold medalist admitted that his goggles didn't work for the 200-meter butterfly. After he broke another world record, he took off the goggles and poured the water out of them and said he couldn't see anything throughout the race.

The positive is that Phelps--who I can't believe uses a new pair of goggles and a new suit for every race--was still able to win. The negative is that, at least in terms of volume, the brand is going to sell more goggles than swimsuits. Could you imagine what would have happened if this threw Phelps off and he didn't win the gold? Would Speedo have counted it as a gold towards his $1 million bonus if it were determined that it was the company's fault?

Because we're going to assume that Phelps knows how to put on a pair of goggles, unfortunately the blame is going to go to Speedo. For the next race, they might want to check that suction, especially on that pair that's made for Phelps. Speedo execs didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on the company's interpretation of the faulty goggles.

Speedo is owned by Warnaco [WRC  Loading...      ()   ].

Update: A Speedo spokesperson said this about the goggles incident: "We haven't had a chance to speak with Michael yet, as he's focused on tonight's prelims."

Questions?  Comments?

© 2008 CNBC, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Permalink: /id/26171613

HOME  |  NEWS  |  MARKETS  |  EARNINGS  |  INVESTING  |  VIDEO  |  CNBC TV  |  CNBC PLUS  |  CNBC MOBILE  |  CNBC HD+
About CNBC   |   Site Map   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service   |   Advertise   |   Help   |   Feedback   |   Video Reprints
  Data is a real-time snapshot   *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes

Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis