Speedo has been a landmark company in swimwear and is synonymous with many famous swimmers and athletes. Speedo swim wear has become so famous that the name itself has come to represent any piece of swimwear available. The company itself, which was founded in Australia, has grown to become an international standard in swimming and swim wear everywhere.
Back in 1914, Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae extended his company’s line of production. Originally a hosiery company, he began manufacturing swimwear under the company name MacRae Knitting Mill. Fourteen years later, the company began looking for a new name. Captain Parsonson won a staff competition for the new moniker with his phrase “Speed on your Speedos.” From that day on, MacRae’s company would be now known as Speedo.
By 1929, Speedo swimwear began appearing in stores for the first time and caught a lot of interest from customers. However, the onset of World War II brought an end to this success. Speedo turned its attention to the war efforts and stopped making consumer swim wear. About 90% of its manufacturing created equipment to be sent to the armed services. Once the war ended however, Speedo was back to swim wear again. By 1947, Speedo had to open a new factory to keep up with its increased demand.
Since then, Speedo swim wear has spread to many countries around the world. By 1959, Speedo began selling its products internationally. Their products were sold in the United States, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa. They then began manufacturing their products in England in order to meet the demands in Western Europe. England was not the only area where Speedo created a new manufacturing facility. In 1966, they created one in Japan and in South Africa one year later. Speedo also manufactures its products in Israel, Brazil, the Netherlands, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. By 1986, the Speedo trademark was protected in 112 different countries. Eventually, Speedo creates Speedo International Ltd., a merging of Speedo Europe and Speedo International.
Speedo swim wear has made a permanent place for itself on some of the best swimmers in the world. In the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Speedo was the official swimwear for 52 out of the 54 participating countries. In 1980, Speedo made it possible for China to participate in the Olympics after a 40-year absence by providing their team with training and equipment. Even today, Speedo has been seen on some of the best and most recognized swimmers in Olympic history and had a strong impact on the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Nevertheless, Speedo has never neglected its roots. Through all of its international support, Speedo has always helped swimming in Australia. In fact, in 1993, Speedo was given a special award by Australian Swimming Inc. for its continued support of swimming in Australia.
From humble beginnings to international and Olympic fame, Speedo swim wear has become the gold standard for athletes and consumers worldwide. In an effort to reach more customers, Speedo announced in 1997 that it would create a sports lifestyle brand. Upon reaching its 75 th anniversary in 2003, Speedo was able to reflect on its positive impact on the world and continue to remain the number one company in swimwear.
By Tamara C. Jude