Final answer:
Proximity suits are mainly worn by individuals such as firefighters or industrial workers facing extreme heat, while athletes wear body suits to reduce drag in sports like swimming and bicycling, enhancing performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proximity suits are worn primarily by individuals who are exposed to extreme heat or fires, such as firefighters or workers in industrial settings where high temperatures are a factor. These suits are designed to protect the wearer from the hazards of intense heat and are usually made of fire-resistant materials that reflect heat away from the body.
In the sporting world, athletes such as swimmers and bicyclists wear body suits in competition to minimize drag. These suits are made of materials that reduce water or air resistance, allowing athletes to perform more efficiently. For instance, during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Australian Cathy Freeman wore a full body suit and won the gold medal in the 400m race. Similarly, many swimmers in the 2008 Beijing Olympics wore specialized body suits that may have contributed to breaking numerous world records.
While these suits offer distinct advantages like reducing drag and potentially improving performance times, they are also subject to strict regulations to maintain the integrity of the sport. It's essential that rules evolve to ensure fair competition while allowing for technological advancements in sportswear.