"When I wear it, I feel like an action hero."

Behind the battle for Beijing berths at the US Olympic swimming trials another conflict was simmering: The swimsuit wars.

Speedo's sensational new LZR Racer has taken swimming by storm, playing a role in 19 of 20 long course records set this year.

"For me, wearing the suit and being faster is a total mindset," said Ryan Lochte, who seized the 200m backstroke world record last year and now has his sights set on challenging Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol in that event as well taking on Michael Phelps in the 200m and 400m individual medleys.

"The statistics say it has five percent less drag, and when I put it on I can feel it compress my body a lot more.

"When I wear it, I feel like an action hero."