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1/12/06
Hoff Signs Long-Term Deal with SPEEDO
LOS ANGELES, California, January 12. SPEEDO, the top-selling swimwear brand in the world, today announced the longest athlete contract in the brand’s history with 16-year-old American swim star Katie Hoff. The versatile American-record holder earned three gold medals at the 2005 FINA World Championships, making her an early gold medal favorite for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Hoff trains at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club., the same club that produced Olympic superstar Michael Phelps.

The historic long-term contract, which will run through the 2016 Olympics, is designed to help Hoff develop her talent as she looks to become one of the most multi-dimensional and decorated swimmers in history.

“The 2005 season was a fantastic year for me,” said Hoff. “This kind of commitment from a brand like SPEEDO will provide great support as I continue to train for the 2008 Olympics.”

“Every once in a while a special athlete comes along who demands a special commitment,” said Sheree Waterson, President of SPEEDO North America. “Katie's versatility and raw talent give her the potential to achieve great accomplishments along the same lines as Michael Phelps."

Hoff, a native of Towson, MD, will graduate high school in 2007. As part of the relationship, SPEEDO will cover the cost of her college tuition, reinforcing the brand’s belief in the importance of education. Hoff, who made her rookie Olympic debut in Athens, was the youngest member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic swim team. The 2005 FINA World Championships in Montreal proved to be her most standout competition to date with Hoff capturing gold in the 200 and 400 individual medley and in the 800 free relay. Her American-record swim in the 200 I.M. was the second-fastest performance of all time.

She rounded out a stellar year at the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool, winning both I.M. events and setting a U.S. Open record in the 400 I.M. Hoff was the big winner at this year’s Golden Goggle Awards, USA Swimming’s annual year-end gala, taking home two awards in the Female Athlete of the Year category and Relay Performance of the Year.

Hoff will also be part of an athlete advisory group to the SPEEDO Aqualab, the research and development center designed to produce the world’s most innovative swimwear and accessories. In 2004, it introduced the world’s fastest swimsuit, the Fastskin FSII.

Team SPEEDO swimmers include Olympic Gold Medalists Michael Phelps (USA), Natalie Coughlin (USA), Amanda Beard (USA), Kosuke Kitijima (JPN), and Grant Hackett (AUS).

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12/09/05
S&R Sport Becomes Title Sponsorship of the 2006 S&R Sport National Water Polo Junior Olympics
LOS ALAMITOS, CALIF., December 9, 2005 - USA Water Polo and S&R Sport announced today that their existing partnership is expanding to include S&R Sport's title sponsorship of the 2006 S&R Sport National Junior Olympics.

USA Water Polo's 2006 S&R Sport National Junior Olympics will be held July 30-August 7 in Los Angeles, Calif., home of one of two S&R Sport locations (The second is in St. Louis, Mo.). The expanded contract will also include the S&R Sport/USA Water Polo Athlete of the Week program and support of the USA Water Polo sport development program.

"We are pleased to enhance our existing partnership with S&R Sport. Their presence in the Los Angeles are is a natural fit for the 2006 Junior Olympics and their commitment to excellence is a shared vision for both organizations," said USA Water Polo Executive Director Tom Seitz.

Steve and Rob Granick, co-owners of S&R Sport added, "Junior Olympics in the USA is the premier grass roots water polo tournament in the world. To become the title sponsor of such an extraordinary event adds to our position as a positive force in the water polo community. One important element of our involvement in this tournament is sponsoring initiatives to improve the desk management at Junior Olympics. Making the tournament more professional is a goal shared by S&R Sport and USA Water Polo."

USA Water Polo is the National Governing Body for the sport of water polo in the United States. The Junior Olympics is the largest annual water polo tournament in America with over 450 boys and girls teams competing for age group titles. The 2005 event was held in San Jose, Calif.

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12/06/05
Speedo Moves into Bobsledding
LOS ANGELES, December 6. LONG known for its role in the swimming world, Speedo has announced a decision to head to the bobsled course for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The company, according to a story in USA Today, has signed a number of U.S. Olympic hopefuls in the bobsled, including Vonetta Flowers. The athletes are expected to wear the Fastskin FSII ice suits.

The suits will be available in early 2006 at a cost of $500. Speedo has made a move toward signing young talents to its label, as Michael Phelps and Amanda Beard wore the company’s FSII swimsuits at the Athens Olympics. Flowers was a gold medalist at the 2002 Olympic Games and is someone who could bolster the Speedo image as the company seeks to grow in the apparel industry.

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08/04/05
Coventry Signs Contract with Speedo
RESEDA, Calif., USA, August 4. COMING off a four-medal performance at last week’s FINA World Championships, Kirsty Coventry has signed a four-year deal with Speedo. The three-time Olympic medalist from Zimbabwe joins a long list of elite swimmers in the Speedo stable, including Michael Phelps. Coventry is represented by Octagon.

After winning three Olympic medals in Athens, including gold in the 200 backstroke, Coventry won the 100 and 200 back disciplines at the 11th edition of the World Champs and earned silver medals in the 200 and 400 individual medley events. She recently concluded a sterling collegiate career at Auburn University, where she trained under Dave Marsh.

"I'm thrilled to sign this deal with Speedo,” Coventry said. “I have always worn Speedo swimsuits and it is great to be part of their team of athletes from all over the world. I've had a great meet following on from Athens last year and I am very excited about the future."

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07/21/05
Industry News: Speedo Takes Part in Miami Fashion Week
MIAMI, Fla., USA, July 21. LAST weekend, Speedo played a role in Miami’s first Fashion Week, as the company featured a number of its creations, from one-piece bathing suits to its latest in activewear, which included sports bras, tracksuits and shorts. Speedo kicked off the IMG Sunglass Hut Swim Shows on July 16 at the Raleigh Hotel.

The event included a show from the United States Olympic synchronized swim team and a performance from a dance troupe outfitted in Speedo wear. A seven-time Olympic medalist and one of the major names under contract with Speedo, Amanda Beard served as the host. She wore the company’s new Axcelerate suit and took part in the dance finale.

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07/06/05
Hanson Signs Deal With Speedo
SYDNEY, Australia, July 6. BROOKE Hanson, one of the world’s premier breaststrokers and individual medley performers, has signed a four-year contract with Speedo that will take her through the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The 27-year-old inked the deal less than three weeks before the start of the World Championships in Montreal.

The silver medalist in the 100 breaststroke and the eighth-place finisher in the 200 breast at the Athens Olympics, Hansen collected four individual titles at last year’s World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis. That competition featured a sweep of the breast events and a victory in the 200 individual medley. In Montreal, Hanson will contest the 50 and 100 breast races and the 200 I.M.

“It had been my dream to be an Olympian and then to become a Speedo athlete – I can’t believe it has all happened to me,” said Hanson. “I have always worn Speedo but to actually be sponsored by Speedo is awesome.

“There have been times when I was ready to quit the sport because of my financial battles and having to work as a nanny to make ends meet and to pay my way through university. But now I can concentrate on training and preparing for Montreal, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and hopefully gain a place on my second Olympic team for Beijing.”

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06/13/05
World's Top Female Swimmer Dedicates Four More Years to TYR Sport
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., June 13. FOUR-time Swimming Olympic Gold Medalist and Current World Record Holder Yana Klochkova has extended her relationship with the TYR family for four more years - through the 2008 Bejiing Games.

Winner of a Historic Double Double, Yana claimed two Gold medals in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and then four years later in Athens she won two Golds in the exact same events. No female athlete in the history of swimming has attained such an accomplishment.

TYR is proud to work with such a highly distinguished female swimmer such as Yana. Matt Zimmer, TYR Director of Promotions expresses the company’s joy, “Holding over ten World Record titles, Yana is one of the best female swimmers in the world. It has been an honor to work with her over the last few years. We are looking forward to continuing the strong relationship we have formed with her.”

The Olympic Committee and Eurosport recently presented Yana with the SportStar Female Swimmer Award, an accolade given to the female swimmer who embodies true Olympic spirit and values. Swimming World Magazine also recognized Yana's accomplishments, voting her the 2004 Female Swimmer of the Year.

At a celebration of the re-signing, Yana was joined by swimming legends Steve Furniss and Hans Fassnacht. Steve is a 2-time Olympian and the 1976 Olympic Swimming Team Captain. Hans won a swimming Olympic Silver medal in the 1972 Olympics and was Germany’s Sportsman of the Year for three consecutive years.

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5/4/05
Dates Set for 2005 Against The Tide Swim, Walk, Kayak
QUINCY, Mass., May 4. DATES and venues for the 2005 Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) Against the Tide one-mile swim, two-mile kayak and three-mile fitness walk are as follows:

Boston Metro
Saturday, June 25
Hopkinton State Park
Hopkinton, MA

Cape Cod
Saturday, August 20
Nickerson State Park
Brewster, MA

Thirteenth annual Against The Tide one-mile swim, two-mile kayak and three-mile fitness walk, benefiting the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, will be held at Hopkinton State Park. This fun and inspirational program brings together swimmers, kayakers and walkers of all ages and abilities who would like to join MBCC in eliminating the breast cancer epidemic.

Participants must raise a minimum of $150 in contributions to the benefit of the MBCC. Registration materials include tips for preparing for an open-water swim, a safe walking experience, and a safe kayak experience. We will provide a sample fundraising letter for soliciting donations and a list of fundraising ideas to help participants increase their effectiveness in raising funds online or by mail.

“Funds raised by the Against the Tide swim, walk and kayak are crucial to helping save women’s lives,” said Deborah Forter, Executive Director of MBCC. “This year in Massachusetts alone, approximately 4,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 900 will die from it. The fight to eradicate this disease is not over.”

Breast cancer now strikes more women in the world than any other type of cancer. In the past 50 years, the lifetime risk of breast cancer has nearly tripled in the United States. In the 1940s, a woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer was 1-in-22. In the year 2002, the risk was 1-in-8 and is now closely approaching 1-in-7.

“Things have changed over the past 13 years” says Against the Tide founder Maria Vetrano, who lost her mother Camille to breast cancer in 1978. “When we founded Against the Tide in 1993, there were no other events specifically for breast cancer and those affected. Now, there are many across the country. We are raising awareness focused on prevention,” she says. “MBCC is a grassroots organization dedicated to ending the breast cancer epidemic.”

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is a nonprofit organization committed to stopping the breast cancer epidemic in Massachusetts through activism, advocacy, research and education. Founded in 1991, the MBCC’s focus is on finding the causes of breast cancer and seeking real prevention of this devastating disease.

For more information call 1-800-649-MBCC or visit www.mbcc.org. Donations may be sent to Against the Tide c/o MBCC, 1419 Hancock Street, Suite 202, Quincy, MA 02169

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4/28/05
Sahara DryEar Launched to Combat Ear Infections
SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 28. SAHARA Design & Marketing Group has announced the launch of its patented product, Sahara DryEar. The Sahara DryEar is a safe and effective tool designed to dry the ear canal of water and moisture. This high-tech, non-medical treatment is perfect for all water sport enthusiasts, hearing aid users and other individuals who suffer from ear canal infections.

“Infections occur when water and moisture remain in the ear canal allowing bacteria and fungi to grow,” said Dr. Hamilton P. Collins II, creator of Sahara DryEar. “People who spend a lot of time in the water will easily develop such infections, as well as hearing aid wearers, due to the perspiration in the ear caused by the hearing aid.”

The new portable dryer is easy to use. Simply place the comfortable ear piece inside your ear after getting out of the water and turn it on to feel the soothing, warm air flow drying your ear. The cycle runs for 80 seconds, or you can remove the dryer when you feel your ear is dry. You can use Sahara DryEar after showering, swimming or any other water activity.

Features of Sahara DryEar include a customized computer chip, which maintains gentle airflow and dry cycle, and PTC heating unit monitors that regulate a safe, warming heat range. The dryer also includes an intake filter that keeps airflow clean and an LED light that indicates the unit is on.

Sahara DryEar comes with a lithium ion rechargeable battery, a UL approved battery charger, and five color-coded earpieces, which are reusable and easy to take on and off. For more information, or to purchase Sahara DryEar, visit www.dryear.net or call 1-800-319-0476.

Sahara DryEar is available for $69.99. A free Sport Travel Pack (valued at $42.95), which contains a car/boat recharger, four reusable ear pieces and Neoprene carrying case is included with purchase.

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4/18/05
Moravcova and TYR Extend Partnership
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., April 18. FOR the next four years, Martina Moravcova will be wearing the apparel of TYR Sport. Wearing TYR suits since 1999, Moravcova recently extended her contract with the company through the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Moravcova started wearing TYR in 1999, following the conclusion of a sterling collegiate career at Southern Methodist University. A 10-time NCAA champion, the Slovakian standout donned the company’s suits at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

“TYR is proud to continue working with Martina,” said Matt Zimmer, TYR’s Director of Promotions. “Our five-year old sponsorship of Martina is coupled with a strong friendship. Her talent and experience makes her one of the best female swimmers in the world.”

The silver medalist in the 100 butterfly at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Moravcova advanced to a pair of finals in Athens, finishing sixth in the 100 fly and seventh in the 100 freestyle. During her career, she has captured 103 victories in World Cup competition, including 18 during the most recent season.

“I’m very pleased with the new arrangement and I look forward to the next four years,” said Moravcova, who has been competing in TYR’s Aqua Shift suit.

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4/8/05
Auburn Signs Four-Year Deal With Speedo
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 8. THERE’S no disputing the following. Auburn is one of the premier swimming programs in the collegiate ranks. And, Speedo is one of the premier swimwear companies in the world. Now, they’ve joined forces.

At last week’s World Championship Trials, Auburn signed a four-year team endorsement deal with Speedo that will run through the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The Tigers have won the last three NCAA men’s titles and three of the past four championships on the women’s side.

In signing the deal, Auburn's Dave Marsh becomes the latest coach to join the Speedo Advisory Board. More than 50 coaches are on the advisory board and continually provide input on Speedo products. Marsh has guided Auburn to eight NCAA titles – men and women – during his tenure.

“Our aquatic program was looking for a partnership that was more than just great swimsuits,” Marsh said. “I am confident that Speedo will always be on the cutting edge of technology, but more than that, Speedo’s growing line of fashionable apparel has my swimmers looking sharp and feeling good on the pool deck.”

The agreement includes financial contributions for community outreach programs, coach and athlete education programs and enhancements for the AU Swimming Hall of Fame.

“Auburn has worn Speedo product for its entire NCAA championship season,” said Stu Isaac, executive vice president of marketing for Speedo. “The discipline and the consistency of Auburn Swimming are in line with the reputation that Speedo has built throughout the competitive world. Dave Marsh is a great addition to our advisory coaching staff and will be instrumental in helping Speedo stay in the forefront of technical and applicable product development for the sport.”

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3/15/05
TYR Launches New Mentor Hand Paddles
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., March 15. TYR Sports, Inc., officially launched its new hand paddle, the "Mentor."

The Mentor is perfect for swimmers of all levels, from fitness swimmers to triathletes. This new, hi-tech designed paddle, advances the evolution of the paddle as a training device. Designed to build strength without losing feel, it catches water quicker on the entry phase of the stroke than traditional paddles and allows for maximum feel for the water. Its design teaches the user proper stroke techniques for all four competitive strokes and also helps develop specific strength while reducing shoulder stress.

Advanced technical features ensure that this hand paddle is the next generation of training equipment. The Mentor is constructed of flexible, lightweight PVC plastic with entry/exit holes for maximum water flow. The ergonomically raised concave dome fits the palm naturally. The Mentor includes custom centering wrist straps that force recovery at the power point of the stroke.

The Mentor hand paddle was created and developed by Ron Johnson, world record-setting Masters swimmer, former Arizona State University head coach and inventor of the Strokemaker(TM) and Catalyst(TM) training paddles.

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3/11/05
Phelps Adds Another Endorsement Deal
ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 11. MUSIC has always been a major part of Michael Phelps' pre-race routine. So, his latest endorsement deal is more than fitting.

Matsunichi Communication Holdings, based in Hong Kong, has signed Phelps to endorse its MP3 players and other electronic devices. Reports indicate that the deal could be worth more than $4 million over its four-year duration. Official terms of the contract were not released.

In a story published by the Baltimore Sun, Phelps' agent indicated that the deal is ground-breaking.

"Based on all of our research, I don't think there's a more lucrative individual endorsement deal that's ever been done by a traditional Olympic athlete - outside the major sports," said Peter Carlisle, director of Olympic sports for Octagon.

Phelps, of course, is coming off an eight-medal haul at the Athens Olympics and is preparing for the World Championship Trials in early April. His appeal as an endorser is huge, evidenced in his deals with Visa, Speedo and Omega, among others.

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3/11/05
Speedo Signs $5 Million Deal with Australian Swimming
SYDNEY, March 11. IN one of the largest single sponsorship deals ever in swimming, Speedo will support Swimming Australia to the tune of $790,000 ($1 million, Australian) a year for the next six years, with an option to extend for a further six years.

Speedo also entered into a new private deal with Grant Hackett, the double Olympic 1,500 meter freestyle champion and world record holder, but will not be able to promote its products through Ian Thorpe. The Thorpedo has long been contracted to adidas.

It is not something that Speedo will have to worry about this summer, with Thorpe having announced that he will not compete at the World Championships in Montreal in July. In his absence, Hackett, who signed a new deal with Speedo beyond national team support yesterday, is aiming to become the first man to win all three distance freestyle titles - over 400, 800 and 1,500 meters. America's Larsen Jensen and Britain's David Davies should mount strong challenges to the king.

"We have to understand regardless of Ian being there or not, there is going to be stiff opposition and it should not take away from any person's win," Hackett said.

"Ian will be sadly missed. Certainly getting up and racing Ian at any meet has been a lot of fun for me and an experience I have become accustomed to over the past few years."

On the Speedo deal, Hackett said: "I hope this will give the Australian team more exposure globally so we can continue to inspire kids, not only in Australia, but from around from the world to take up the sport and become the champions of the future.

Speedo is to develop a new and contemporary look for the Australian team in time for the World Championships in Montreal in July. The Australian team for the world championships will be announced on the final night of the trials which run from March 12-19 at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre.

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3/10/05
Schoenman, Neethling Ink Deals With Arena
TOLENTINO, Italy, March 10. SOUTH Africa's two biggest names in swimming have signed endorsement deals with Arena and will wear the company's products for the next four years.

Roland Schoeman and Ryk Neethling recently agreed to terms with the company and will compete in Arena wear at this summer's World Championships in Montreal and beyond.

Last summer, Schoenman and Neethling helped South Africa to a gold medal and world record in the 400 freestyle relay at the Athens Olympics. Schoenman also added a silver medal in the 100 freestyle and a bronze in the 50 free.

Recently, Schoenman and Neethling torched the World Cup circuit, with each setting world records. Schoeman equaled Ian Crocker's short-course global standard in the 100 free (46.25) while Neethling set a world mark in the 100 individual medley (52.01).

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3/1/05
Beard Named ESPN.com's Hottest Female Athlete
NEW YORK, March 1. SHE’S come a long way from being that little girl with a teddy bear. These days, Amanda Beard is one of the most eye-catching athletes in the world. Tuesday, ESPN.com confirmed that much to be true when it announced that Beard was named the Web site’s Hottest Female Athlete for 2005.

After rolling through the early rounds of the online competition, Beard secured an overwhelming victory in the final round, as she defeated triathlete Lokelani McMichael. Beard collected 62 percent of the 157,000 votes that were cast.

A seven-time Olympic medalist, Beard broke onto the international swimming scene as a 14-year-old in 1996. Since that worldwide introduction, she has become a world-record holder in the 200 breaststroke and has competed in two more Olympic Games. In Athens last summer, she won gold in the 200 breast and silver in the 200 individual medley and on the United States’ 400 medley relay.

Widely recognizable, Beard has been featured in photo spreads in FHM and Maxim magazines and, most recently, was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Represented by Evan Morgenstein of the Premier Management Group, Beard has numerous sponsorships, including deals with Speedo, Red Bull energy drink and Mutual of Omaha.

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2/24/05
TYR Sport Introduces First One-Piece Racing Goggle
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., February 24. TYR Sport Inc. has developed the latest competition goggle to help an athlete focus on the performance of a swim. The TYR Aqua Shift Rockets is the only uni-body goggle designed specifically for racing. Its flexible rubber nose-piece requires no additional adjustment as the traditional Swedish goggle styles.
The hydrodynamic goggles offer wide 180-degree peripheral lenses for a clear view of the entire pool, while their optical grade polycarbonate lenses (the shatter resistant substitute for glass) are anti-fog and UV protected.

Traditional racing goggles are infamous for being uncomfortable. The Aqua Shift Rockets feature soft Thermo Plastic Rubber (TPR) gaskets with an easy-to-fit socket design. The double headstraps stabilize the goggles in place to ensure a comfortable, yet secure fit.

“The Aqua Shift Rockets are the only one-piece true racing frame on the market. Its low profile design, enhanced vision and watertight fit make this the ideal competitive goggle. TYR is always striving to be on the leading edge of technology and this goggle is proof of our commitment,” comments Steve Furniss, TYR Executive Vice President and Captain of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Swim Team.

In the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, TYR brought home 8 Gold Medals, 6 Silver Medals, and 4 Bronze Medals, a 200% increase of medals from the previous Games. Coming out of its most successful season to date and introducing swimming’s most technologically advanced racing suit, Aqua Shift ™, TYR anticipates continued growth in 2005 – its 20th year in business.

TYR (pronounced tier). Named after the mythical Norse god of warriors and deity among all athletes, the TYR brand embodies the competitive spirit of sports and is a symbol of courage and victory. Co-founded in 1985 by Olympic medalist Steve Furniss, TYR has passionately dedicated itself to redefining the next generation of performance and recreational swimwear and accessories, while continuing to be the model of leading edge innovation and style.

TYR Sport falls under its parent company, Swimwear Anywhere, Inc., the second largest branded swimwear manufacturer in North America. Among their stable of brands, Swimwear Anywhere holds the swimwear license for Calvin Klein, DKNY, Juicy Couture, and owns the Roxanne and Gabar labels.

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2/15/05
Warnaco Names Sheree Waterson President of SPEEDO® North America
NEW YORK – February 15. THE Warnaco Group, Inc. (NASDQ: WRNC) today announced that it has appointed Sheree Waterson as the new President of Speedo North America, a division of Warnaco Swimwear Inc. Ms. Waterson will oversee all aspects of Speedo’s design, development, merchandising, marketing and sales.

A 25-year veteran of the retail and wholesale apparel industries, Ms. Waterson brings extensive experience in product development and brand management. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Women’s Apparel at Levi Strauss.

Before joining Levi Strauss, Ms Waterson held senior level management positions at Wet Seal, Contempo Casuals, and Mervyn’s. Ms Waterson holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.

“Sheree’s merchandising and brand management skills will be tremendous assets to the Speedo brand and we look forward to her leadership,” said Kathy Van Ness, Executive Vice President Warnaco Swimwear Inc.

Further, President of Warnaco Swimwear Inc., Roger Williams said, “The Speedo brand is one of the world’s few true sports lifestyle brands. Our growth plans for Speedo in North America are aggressive and Sheree is the perfect candidate to head this task.”

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ms. Waterson said, “Speedo is a brand with great market penetration and brand recognition. This is a unique opportunity and challenge that I embrace with great passion."

SPEEDO® and the Boomerang Device are registered trademarks of and used under license from SPEEDO International Ltd.

Warnaco Swimwear Inc., a division of The Warnaco Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WRNC), is the authorized licensee of the Speedo trademark in North America and the Caribbean.

About Speedo®
Born on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia in 1928, SPEEDO® is the world's top-selling swimwear brand. The brand's heritage derives from its leadership in competitive swimming, where more Olympic Gold Medals have been won in Speedo than any other brand. Eight-time Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps is among the elite swimmers who wear SPEEDO® Fastskinä technology. Building on its authentic base, the SPEEDO® product line has dramatically expanded over the years. It now includes women's fashion and fitness swimwear, men's water shorts, kid's swimwear, active wear, footwear, and a comprehensive collection of aquatic and fitness equipment.

About The Warnaco Group, Inc.
The Warnaco Group, Inc., headquartered in New York, is a leading apparel company engaged in the business of designing, marketing and selling intimate apparel, menswear, jeanswear, swimwear, men's and women's sportswear and accessories under such owned and licensed brands as Warner's®, Olga®, Lejaby®, Body Nancy Ganz(tm), Speedo®, Anne Cole Collection®, Ocean Pacific®, Cole of California® and Catalina® as well as Chaps® sportswear and denim, JLO by Jennifer Lopez® lingerie, Nautica® swimwear, Michael Kors® swimwear and Calvin Klein® men's and women's underwear, men's accessories, men's, women's, junior women's and children's jeans and women's and juniors swimwear.

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1/28/05
TYR Commemorates 20 Years with 2005 Summer Performance Swimwear Collection
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., January 28. WITH twenty successful years in the swimwear business, TYR Sport Inc. introduces its 2005 Summer Performance Swimwear Collection. The latest swimwear line embodies fashion, quality, and ahead of the game technology.

Included in the 2005 TYR Summer Performance line are five new stylish prints including Manta Ray, Luau, Odyssey Poly, Aloha Leis Poly, and Island Dawn Poly. The silhouettes of the Manta Ray and Odyssey Poly feature the Maxback, while the Luau is TYR’s latest body style, the Dimaxback. The Diamondback silhouette appears on the Aloha Leis Poly and Island Dawn Poly. A new TYR Long Short rides low at the waist and falls right below the knee to create a fashionable yet fun look. Made from durable Polyester, the TYR Long Short can be worn while taking a dip in the pool or strolling along the beach.

Right in time for summer, the 2005 TYR Summer Performance line’s color scheme optimizes the use bright, spirited shades. Hot pink, ravishing blue and vivacious green are among the top colors for Summer 2005.

Fitness accessories are to swimwear as water is to the pool. Swimmers and the fitness conscience alike rely on the latest equipment to better their workouts. In the 2005 TYR Summer Performance line, TYR has added the latest pool side tools to their collection.

Designed specifically for racing, the Aqua Shift™ Rockets offers the ultimate performance goggle with a clear 180- degree peripheral view. The Aqua Shift Rockets ensures comfort with an unequaled dual head strap for a perfect, non-slip fit.

Debuting in the new 2005 TYR collection, the Big Mesh Mummy Bag is the ideal bag to lug training equipment to and from a workout. The Big Mesh Mummy Bag is cleverly built with deep, wide pockets to cart kickboards, hand paddles or even a towel. Made of heavy duty denier, the sturdy Big Mesh Mummy Bag will stand up to the daily wear and tear of the pool deck.

TYR has also developed the new standard in footwear comfort and durability. The TYR Nuzzles™ Thong offers an amazingly, cozy footbed with outstanding softness, support and cushioning. This fashionable thong features a multi-layered sole for solid stability and traction.

With the top athletes choosing to cross the finish line in TYR and the best technology on the market, TYR continues to stay top of its game. In the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, TYR brought home 8 Gold Medals, 6 Silver Medals, and 4 Bronze Medals, a 200% increase of medals from the previous Games. Coming out of its most successful season with the top swimsuit technology and sales the best ever to date, TYR anticipates continued growth in 2005, its 20th year in business.

TYR (pronounced tier). Named after the mythical Norse god of warriors and deity among all athletes, the TYR brand embodies the competitive spirit of sports and is a symbol of courage and victory. Co-founded in 1985 by Olympic medalist Steve Furniss, TYR has passionately dedicated itself to redefining the next generation of performance and recreational swimwear and accessories, while continuing to be the model of leading edge innovation and style.

TYR Sport falls under its parent company, Swimwear Anywhere, Inc., the second largest branded swimwear manufacturer in North America. Among their stable of brands, Swimwear Anywhere holds the swimwear license for Calvin Klein, DKNY, Juicy Couture, and owns the Roxanne and Gabar labels.

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1/28/05
AChina Swimming Association partners with Colorado Time Systems
LOVELAND, Col., January 28. THE China Swimming Association (CSA) selected Colorado Time Systems (CTS) as the official timing and scoring sponsor with a four-year sponsorship contract signed Wednesday, January 26, 2005 in Beijing. With CTS as the official sponsor, CSA agrees to utilize only CTS equipment for every major national competition in China.

CTS won against many of the major competitive swimming manufacturers. Ultimately, the CSA decided that the combination of products and personnel at CTS would prove to be most advantageous for their program.

“We are very pleased in our relationship with CSA.” said Anita Sayed, President & CEO, CTS. “We feel that we can truly help CSA , and at the same time introduce our product line throughout China.”

China is largest potential swim market in the industry today, with over 5,000 pools scheduled for construction or renovation before the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

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