FINA May Delay Implementation Of Swimsuit Ban, Upsetting Some

Biedermann Beats Phelps In Suit That Will Be Banned

FINA Exec Dir Cornel Marculescu yesterday said that the organization's "promised ban on long-length swimsuits beginning in January of next year might not be implemented until April or May," according to Amy Shipley of the WASHINGTON POST. The delay means "swimmers will be allowed to compete in the coming months in the controversial high-tech suits that have caused an outcry throughout the sport and contributed to the 15 world records" already set during this week's World Swimming Championships in Rome. Marculescu added that a "scientific committee -- which has not yet been appointed -- would determine the definition of 'textile' and set standards for thickness, buoyancy and permeability for new suits" by September 30. Bob Bowman, who coaches Michael Phelps and several other swimmers, "reacted with outrage at news of FINA's equivocation, saying he would urge Phelps not to compete in major events until the ban is in place." Bowman: "That would be my recommendation to him, not to swim internationally. The mess needs to be stopped right now. It can't go any further" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/29). More Bowman: "They can probably expect Michael not to swim until they've implemented it. I'm done with it. It has to be implemented immediately. The sport is in shambles right now, and they better do something or they're going to lose their guy who fills these seats." In N.Y., Karen Crouse notes Phelps yesterday finished second in the 200-meter freestyle to Paul Biedermann, who was "wearing the Arena X-Glide, one of the polyurethane suits" that will be banned under the new rules. Biedermann after yesterday's race said, "I hope there will be a time when I can beat Michael Phelps without the suit." He added the suit debate is "not my problem, it's not the problem of Arena, my sponsor. It's the problem of FINA." Phelps was "clad in last year’s cutting-edge suit, the Speedo LZR Racer" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/29).

FALSE START: In L.A., Lisa Dillman notes suit manufacturers seem "confused about Tuesday's developments." TYR Sport Founder & Exec VP Steve Furniss said, "Though last week the path FINA outlined seemed to be headed in one direction, this week it appears to be a different story. We have heard conflicting information that originally stated body styles for men may be changed to include shoulder-to-above-the-knee-suits. As the old saying goes, we will not know where we are going until we arrive there. But even then we may not know where we are." However, Speedo Senior VP/Marketing Craig Brommers contends that swimming is "getting closer to clarity on the issue." Brommers said, "We applaud FINA for finally banning these buoyant wetsuits which have cast a shadow over the competition" (L.A. TIMES, 7/29). Brommers added, "We understand that FINA had to do something and we empathize the emotionally charged situation this turned into, but we thought getting rid of buoyancy was the key. There was never any controversy with the fabric bodysuits in 2007" (CNBC.com, 7/28).

TOO LATE TO DO ANYTHING? NBC's Rowdy Gaines said the problem with FINA's decision is "they already opened Pandora's Box last year with the LZR and all these other suits, so it's been going on for 18 months." Gaines: "My dilemma is I feel you can't go back. It's impossible to go back now and that's where FINA I think is making a mistake" ("Today," NBC, 7/29).