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Alexander MacRae migrated to Australia
He set up an underwear manufacture business called MacRae Hosiery Manufacturers. -
Speedo founded
Speedo originated under the name 'Fortitude'. In response to the growing beach culture in Australia, MacRae began producing swimwear and changed the company name to MacRae Knitting Mills. (http://speedo.com.au/australia/history) -
Racerback costume introduced
MacRae introduced the classic, figure hugging "racerback swimsuit, it allowed greater movement meaning wearers would swim faster. -
Name of the Company was changed
The introduction of the "racerback" style inspired a staff member to come up with the slogan "Speed in your Speedos" and this is when the Speedo name was born. -
Became known amoung public and swimmers
Speedo was established in the hearts and minds of swimmers and the general public when Sweedish swimmer Arne Borg set a world record in a Speedo swimsuit. -
Swimwear fashions changing constantly through 1930s
Speedo products began to make headlines for their style and performance. -
Los Angeles Olympics
Australian Claire Dennis won gold in her speedo swimsuit in the 200m breastsroke, however there was controversey it showed too much shoulder. -
Berlin Olypmics
The Australian Mens swim team were all wearing Speedo, including a daring swimming shorts design. -
Post-war
After the war, a new factory was opened to cope with the increased demand for swimsuits, escpecially the bikini. The Speedo bikini was banned by beach inspectors. It continued to dominate the competitive swimming industry, more atheletes were choosing to endorse Speedo. -
Foundations of Expansion were laid
Speedo became a publicly traded company on the Sydney Stock exchange -
Melbourne Olympics
Speedos sponsorship of the entire Australian swim team, transformed Speedo into a world famous brand when the team won 8 gold medals. -
Began international expansion
Speedo. began exporting to the USA. A new international division was formed that would monitor the New Zealand, Japanese and South African markets. It also moved into Europe. -
1960s - Global growth continued
The Europe subsidary was established in London and Speedo swimwear manufacture and distribution licenses were granted to Japan and South Africa. -
Mexico Olympics
27 of the 29 gold medalists were wearing Speedo suits and additionally 22 of the 23 world records set at the games were made by swimmers in Speedo. -
International enterprise expanded significantly
It was launched in Eastern Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Speedo Canada was established. -
1970s
Speedo was the first company to produce swimwear made of nylon/elastane - which is the most popular fabric today. -
Munich Olympics
21 of the 22 world records were broken by swimmers wearing Speedo and 52 of the 58 nations competing were in Speedo -
Montreal Olympics
Speedo was the official licensee for the Olympics and 52 of the 54 nations were in speedo. -
1980s
Manufacture licenses were distributed to companies in Belgium, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. -
Becomes a sponsor - 1980s
Speedo becomes the first ever sponsor of the Australian Institute of Sport -
Speedo launches S2000
Speedo launched the S2000 which had 15% less drag than conventional swimsuit material. At the Barcelona Olympics, 53% of all swimming medals won were by swimmers competing in S2000. -
Launched 'Endurance'
Speedo launched Endurance - the world's first chlorine resistant fabric. -
Launched AQUABLADE
AQUABLADE has 8% less resistance than S2000. At the Atlanta Olympics 77% of all swimming medals were won by swimmers wearing AQUABLADE -
Launched FASTSKIN
The 2000 Sydney Olympics saw 13 of the 15 world records broken by swimmers in FASTSKIN and 83% of all medals won by swimmers. -
Speedo's 75th Birthday
Speedo commisions fashion designer Melissa Odabash to design a limited edition anniversary collection. -
FASTSKIN FSII Launched
FSII - is an evoltion of FASTSKIN that reduces drag by up to 4%. At the Athens Olympics Michael Phelps makes history in FASTSKIN FSII by becoming the first swimmer to win 8 medals. More swimmers in Athens wore Speedo than all of the other brands put together. -
Creates a fashion collection
Speedo joins forces with founder of Brazilian swimwear brand Rosa Cha to create a vibrant fashion collection. -
New collaboration
Speedo introduces new collaboration with fashion label Comme des Garcons. -
Launch of FASTSKIN FS-PRO
FASTSKIN FS-PRO was the fastest most lightweight swimsuit on the market, 21 world records were broken with 6 months. -
Launch of LZR Racer
In its 80th year of operation, Speedo launched LZR Racer - the most technically advanced swimsuit in the world.
The Beijing Olympics proved to be a success for Speedo and the LZR Racer with 92% of all medals won by althetes wearing the suit.
Speedo sponsored Michael Phelps who was the star of the games with a record breaking 8 gold medals.
