Michael Phelps of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials

There is something bizarrely compelling about Olympians. Anyone who is willing to obsessively focus on one thing for what amounts to two weeks every four years has got to be respected (or analyzed). So when Michael Phelps dips his toe into the pool during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, on NBC Friday, July 4, we should all appreciate the sacrifices he's made to be the sport's best. We should also recognize that with a Bic razor and a $350 Speedo, people might think we are almost as cool as he is. Almost.

Phelps, whose 23rd birthday is this week, has been a media darling since winning eight medals (six gold, two bronze) at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The scary thing is that since then, he has gotten even better. He endorses Speedo, Visa, Omega and PowerBar, and his face will be on televisions across the globe during the Summer Olympics in August. Life, as the say, is good. But with all of us hitting the pools this summer and wanting to look our best, dressing like Phelps is not for the faint of heart -- or wide of girth.

Since Phelps endorses Speedo, it's not surprising to learn that when he's both in and out of the water he's sporting the label. In fact, Speedo has a line of Michael Phelps apparel, including silhouette T-shirts and jerseys that are perfect for lounging by the pool between events. Of course, things get a little more serious when he gets in the water and wearing the latest in racing suits -- Speedo's LZR Racer. It's considered the world's fastest swimsuit and the first fully bonded bodysuit. That means its seams were ultrasonically welded together to create the lowest profile possible to reduce drag. It has 5 percent less passive drag than Speedo's Fastskin FS-Pro, a suit that has helped swimmers set 21 world records since its launch in March 2007. This suit is so hot it won't even be available to the public until October. I can barely dog paddle, and I want this suit.

The LZR Racer comes in three styles -- the high-neck bodyskin, the legskin and the jammer -- but Phelps tends to go with the legskin. (Dude likes his trunks ridin' low.) As you might imagine, prices tend to be prohibitive -- from $290 to $550 -- so you may prefer to take your American pride to a less-expensive option, Speedo's Beijing Replica Brief. And we mean brief. The traditional size Speedo -- think barrel-shaped European men wandering along a beach near you -- is a replica of what the U.S. men will be wearing during the Summer Games. It's black with an American flag design on the right hip, and an equally stylish jammer is also available.

To take the look one step too far, we recommend you get yourself a silicone cap to further reduce your drag coefficient. For your feet, go with the label's Men's USA Deck Pro Thong.

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