Keely Hodgkinson disagreed with the science in one "non-negotiable" aspect of her eye-catching Nike speed suit.
The 24-year-old won the 800m at the all-female Athlos meet in London on Friday.
Hodgkinson walked out to pyrotechnic plumes on a strobe-lit stage to thumping music from a DJ before dominating the 800 metres in sunglasses and an all-black, Catwoman-like, hooded, part-backless kit with a ponytail cutout and long sleeves.
Hodgkinson believes the suit meets legal standards, and while aerodynamics were of the utmost importance, she did negotiate one critical compromise.
She revealed: "The science was like technically with the air drag you're slower with your hair out, but I was like, 'that's a non-negotiable. My hair is staying out.' I'm very much 'look good, feel good' [and that] mental and physical balance."
Asked if everyone will be wearing the style by the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Hodgkinson said: "We might know some things that people don't.
"It was a test out there. This is not something we haven't seen before. Like Cathy Freeman and some other athletes from a while ago did something like this, and this is the updated new version, with the new technology.
"[Freeman] was before I was born, but I have seen the race and photos. It was really cool to draw inspiration from the past and make it your own as well. The style was a big thing for me.
"I wanted to be comfortable but I wanted to feel a little bit sexy, the back's open and that makes it feel really cool. It feels like I'm wearing nothing to be honest. I trained in it in South Africa in 37-degree heat and it was OK."
Nike had described the suit: "Thoughtful details like a ponytail opening and Nike Vision Airelon Force E sunglasses anchor Hodgkinson in her sense of self and empower her to lock in and pursue her dreams."
Hodgkinson won in one minute 56.40 seconds to claim $65,000 (£48,522) from the $1.057 million (£790,266) prize pot.
Nike referred to Hodgkinson's suit as "a bespoke expression of racing innovation" which was designed in partnership with her.
Nike described: "Hodgkinson's open-back, full-length, hooded speed suit is designed to deliver the greatest aerodynamic benefit while offering a couture-level, handcrafted fit for maximum mobility and optimal comfort."
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Hodgkinson said after winning at Friday's Athlos meet: "I'm honoured they let me put this on show. I was a little nervous, walking out. The shades helped me block out the noise, but it was really fun and it's something I'll remember forever.
"Honestly this has been like a year in the making with all the adjustments and fittings. It was a really fun process with the Nike innovation team. I think it's a mixture of fashion, speed and science all coming together, for maybe the future of athletics potentially.
"It was a real honour for them to choose me to put this out first. We weren't sure when we were going to wear it, but in hindsight an all-women's event, which is all about the glitz and glamour and putting eyes on women, a bit of a moment was the perfect way to finish the season. So it's really exciting."
Press Association contributed to this report.