The hosts of Re-Inventors, Jeremy MacPherson and Matt Hunter, put one of their "re-inventions" to the test against Olivier Jean, a speed skater and Olympic hopeful, at the Ricoh Coliseum this week. The propeller strapped to MacPherson's back was based on a patent registered in 1948 by Horace M. Morrill, who intended the device to "provide a portable manually supported propelling unit" for people on skates, boats or bicycles.

The race, a promotional event for the show's new season, was over quickly as Jean effortlessly lapped the man with the fan—who pottered around the rink with all the sound and fury of a leaf blower. Even a sneaky push from co-host Hunter couldn't help MacPherson. For his efforts Jean Olivier was presented with training funds courtesy of the Re-inventors to help him reach the 2010 Winter Olympics.

More images after the jump.

All photos by Miles Storey.