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This is Michael Phelps, the American swimmer who won six gold medals at the 2004 Olympics.

And that ridiculous-looking suit he's wearing? He says it's a big reason that he has a chance to put on an even better show in Beijing.

The suit is called the Speedo Lzr Racer, and every American Olympic swimmer is expected to wear it at the 2008 Summer Games. Swimmers from about 50 other countries will wear it as well. (Suits for female and male swimmers are identical.) According to Phelps, who gave Speedo his input in designing the suit, it's the best swimsuit ever made.

"It literally feels like you are a rocket coming off the wall," Phelps said. "The water completely runs off the suit."

If that's the kind of suit you want at your community pool or at the beach, good news: You don't have to be an Olympian to get one, as they're on sale at the Speedo web site for the low, low price of $550.

Michael Phelps Says New Speedo Will Make Records Fall at 2008 Summer Olympics - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog