August 12, 2008 2:51PM

The ‘Golden’ Swimsuit

By Alexis Glick

It’s been hard but I have remained tight lipped enough. OK I admit it, the Olympics have exceeded my expectations. To be very blunt, I thought they were going to be a grave disappointment given all of the human rights issues surrounding China and the truth is I have been pleasantly surprised. In no way do I or am I willing to dismiss their human rights record and their affiliations to governments who take part in genocide each and every day. On the other hand, the more I learn about the country and the progress they have made in a short time frame, the more impressed I become.

The opening ceremonies took my breath away. I cannot remember watching a spectacle like the one the Chinese put on with pure amazement in my eyes. Even my three little boys who we let stay up to watch the ceremonies were in awe. I enjoyed watching them watch the ceremony and their persistent questions about the Chinese and when we’re going there. My middle son Kyle keeps asking me when we are going to China for a couple days. He can’t quite grasp the sheer magnitude of the trip from the east coast. The fact that he along with many kids across the globe feel this way is one small and continuous step toward a global economy.

The games themselves have been pure magic. NBC is loving Michael Phelps and why not? He is the heart and soul of this Olympic games. What he has done in the past three days is exceptional? I only hope and pray that he can live up to the enormous pressure and expectations. I can’t imagine how his mom feels. When I see her in the stands I feel her sacrifices and her pure love for her son and it feels great.

This morning Helen McClusky, the president of Warnaco joined me to discuss the biggest topic surrounding Michael Phelps performance in the pool, the suit that he is wearing. It’s called the LZR (Laser) racer swimsuit. It was created by Speedo in conjunction with NASA over a four- year period. The amount of medals won with that suit on during this Olympic games is staggering. It’s not cheap and it has created a fair amount of controversy but whether you like it or not, it has changed the nature of the sport and the future for Warnaco, the parent of Speedo.

See what Helen had to say about the swimsuit being called the “world’s fastest swimsuit” and why she is having the time of her life at the games. Do you blamer her?