Olympic swimmers suit up for London games

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Michael Phelps and other swimmers are preparing to suit up for next summer's Olympic Games in London.

Speedo unveiled its 2012 gear on Nov. 30, and Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Natalie Coughlin were among the athletes modeling suits, caps - and goggles that make them look like aliens in a sci-fi movie. The athletes plan to wear the Fastskin 3 suits at the Olympics.

Pictures: Swimmers show off the suits

Lochte said the new style made him feel like an action figure. The wide, angular lenses allow for peripheral vision, so Phelps will no longer have to tilt his head to sneak a peek at his competition after each turn, which used to slow him down by a fraction of a second.

The suits are no longer the dominant story in the sport. Around this time four years ago, Speedo unveiled the LZR, which set off a virtual technological arms race that eventually led governing body FINA to restrict the kinds of materials used and how much skin they could cover.

At last summer's world championships, Lochte set the first world record since the high-tech bodysuits were banned. He also beat Phelps in both of their matchups and won one more gold medal.

The two are good friends - they were seen whispering and laughing together on stage during the exhibition.

Tell us: What do you think of the swimmers' new gear?