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U.S. Olympic rowing team gets new uniforms to protect them from sewage

It's about more than comfort since rowers will face waters contaminated with sewage.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTHR) - After concerns were raised about water quality and safety in Rio, the US Rowing team began searching for new suits to help better protect them.

When the order came to a Charlotte textile company at the last minute, the company raced to get them done in time. Speizman International had just 45 days to design and deliver a seamless uni-suit.

It's about more than comfort since rowers will face waters contaminated with sewage.

"We put a waterproofing agent on it so the suit is waterproof, so even though it is getting wet it doesn't absorb water. So that being said, it's almost virtually always dry. I like it all. I like the fact I made it," said Keith Sherill, Speizman International.

The maker hopes his design will become the new standard for every collegiate rowing team in the country.

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