Go, Speed Racer: FINA Will Not Ban Speedo's LZR Racer Suit
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FINA Decides Not To Ban
Speedo's LZR Racer Suit |
The Int'l Swimming Federation (FINA) yesterday ruled that it "won't ban Speedo's new high-tech LZR Racer suit," according to Andrew Dampf of the AP. The LZR has been worn for 18 of 19 world records set since February, and the swimsuit "has come under criticism for claims of buoyancy." But FINA concluded, "There is no scientific proof that it helps." FINA added that the "present approval system is 'very rigorous' and that the LZR passed a series of tests." FINA this weekend at the short-course world championships in Manchester, England, will meet with swimsuit manufacturers, and "other companies are due to come out soon with suits to compete with the LZR." FINA added it will meet with manufacturers "to revise the procedure for approval of swimsuits." Italy head swimming coach Alberto Castagnetti is "one of the leading opponents of the new suits, which were banned at the Italian championships last week." Castagnetti: "This is going down a very dangerous road. ... It's like technological doping. It's not in the spirit of the sport." Castagnetti added, "It would be different if it was [U.S. swimmer] Michael Phelps setting all these records, but a lot of them have come from fifth- and sixth-ranked swimmers" (AP, 4/9).
PRICEY DECISION? In London, Craig Lord reports Speedo competitors adidas and Arena publicly have "let it be known that they will not penalise athletes who wear other apparel when racing for a national team sponsored by Speedo." But three athletes claimed "to have been threatened with loss of contract and financial support if they wear the Speedo suit." One swimmer: "I'm really worried. I've got to do what's best for me in the pool, it's obvious, but it means I lose the support." U.S. head coach Mark Schubert: "My advice to athletes is, 'You have a black-and-white decision -- the money or the gold medal.' And it's going to be a real test of character. There is no doubt the suit makes a difference and there is no doubt that there is one manufacturer that's put millions into research while the other manufacturers are more into fashion" (LONDON TIMES, 4/9).
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