Team USA's speed skating team were "lucky" that enough of them brought backup suits to Sochi, following a decision to discard their new design.

The United States opted to do away with their 'Mach 39' outfits after failing to pick up a medal in the first six skating events in Sochi.

"Most of the athletes just had it here and there were some extra back up ones," coach Michael Kooreman told reporters. "We kind of got lucky that we had enough to be honest.

"Those were really only for this event. I don't think they have ISU [International Skating Union] approval to wear them at World Cups so they are essentially on the shelf.

"We might have another one produced that is similar like that but I don't know what the timeline is on that right now."

There are four speed skating events left at this year's Games, with the women's 1,500m race set to get underway later today.