Under Armour retained as maker of U.S. speedskating suits despite Sochi troubles

Sports apparel maker Under Armour will remain in its current role as manufacturer of the U.S. speedskating team's suits through the 2022 Olympics, the company confirmed Friday, via The Wall Street Journal. 

Under Armour's contract with US Speedskating was slated to expire after the Sochi Olympics. Financial terms of the new deal were not disclosed.

The highly-touted, ultra-secret "Mach 39" suit Under Armour developed in partnership with weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin for U.S. speedskaters to wear in Sochi has been a complete bust. Medal favorites in many long track events, American skaters have repeatedly under-performed.

After rumors spread suggesting a panel on the back of the suits was causing drag for skaters, the U.S. team requested permission to return to their old suits (also manufactured by Under Armour).

Under Armour executive Kevin Plank "is a proud American and [the company] will not retreat from supporting USS despite the challenges we've gone through together," US Speedskating executive director Ted Morris said in an email to athletes.