The biomechanics lecturer played a significant role in testing Speedo's controversial "space age" LZR Racer swimsuits at the University of Otago's water flume.
And, if it had not already, the hard work yesterday paid off in China's futuristic and full-to-capacity Water Cube - he thought up to a dozen medallists wore the suits, including Australian star Stephanie Rice as she set a world record in winning the 400m individual medley.
"It is fantastic," Prof Pease said when contacted in Dunedin yesterday.
"I really thought with the competitiveness [of qualifying] before the Olympics that Olympic results might have been a bit down."
The controversy surrounding the suit, prompting questions over the materials and swimmers' breaking lucrative sponsorship contracts to wear it, was beginning to fade as everyone got on with competing and decided " we'll just have to buy one and wear it," he said.
The Speedo suit, which retails for about $860 and is estimated to shave 2% off race times, was unveiled to the world in February after extensive testing in the university flume.
More than 36 world records were broken in the following eight weeks by swimmers wearing the suits.
But while the medal tally rises, the future of the flume itself remains in the balance.
School of Physical Education Dean, Prof Doug Booth, said the university was reviewing the flume's future, with a decision on its fate expected by the end of the year.
"We are in discussions with Speedo regarding their anticipated use of the flume. However, it has been running at a loss in recent years," he said.
It was built in 1997 at a cost of $2 million.
Prof Pease believed the flume had plenty of potential for other technology applications, research and also for public use.
It is the only one in the southern hemisphere and one of only six in the world - Japan and Europe have two each and China one.
"It would be good to retain, even if the university have to take a small loss, but if it's a big [financial] hit then they will have to take that decision to close it," he said.
