Nike Adds 3D-Printed Vortex Generators to Keely Hodgkinson's Speed Suit
Nike placed computationally tuned, delta-shaped 3D-printed vortex generators across Keely Hodgkinson's shoulders, thighs, torso, and hood.
Nike developed a hooded one-off speed suit for British 800 m runner Keely Hodgkinson. Delta-shaped 3D-printed protrusions with location-specific sizes and orientations are distributed across the shoulders, thighs, torso, and hood to mix fast airflow with the slower boundary layer and reduce the wake. The suit uses minimal seams and no fasteners and was largely handmade at the LeBron James Innovation Center.
Hodgkinson wore it at Athlos London and won the 800 m in 1:56.80. Nike has not disclosed the printing process, material, or quantified drag reduction, and the race result cannot isolate the suit's contribution. The aerodynamic benefit is therefore presented as a manufacturer claim.
Key facts
- 3D-printed features: delta-shaped and location-specific
- Placement: shoulders, thighs, torso, and hood
- Athlos London 800 m time: 1:56.80
- Process, material, and drag reduction not disclosed
Context
The suit illustrates additive manufacturing used for small, location-specific aerodynamic features rather than printing the garment itself.
