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Swimmers not concerned with controversy
Posted: Tuesday May 16, 2000 10:25 AM
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- The full-length bodysuits male swimmers are sporting in increasing numbers have raised questions about whether they breach international rules. But, say the swimmers, the most frequent query associated with the new togs is: Who'll zip me up? "The suits aren't really an issue among the swimmers," said Ian Thorpe, who set his third world record in as many days Monday. "I think the only issue in the change room is who is going to zip you up at the back -- the guys aren't used to that." Thorpe has worn a black full-length Adidas swimsuit at the Australian Olympic selection trials here. Of the eight finalists in the 400-meter freestyle, which Thorpe won, seven were wearing some form of the controversial "long john" swimsuits. Grant Hackett, the world champion at 1,500 meters, wore a bodysuit as he placed second in the 400 and third in the 200 freestyles. The bodysuits were expected to spark protests at the trials after the Australian Olympic Committee tried but failed to get clarification from the Court of Arbitration for Sports on the legality of the technology. Thorpe asked the AOC for permission to wear an adidas bodysuit instead of one supplied by rival manufacturer Speedo, a long-standing Australian team sponsor. The world swimming federation, FINA, has sanctioned the swimsuits but some observers say the technology breaches international rules which prohibit any device which aids a swimmer's speed, endurance or buoyancy. Speedo launched its Fastskin suit, modeled on shark skin, at the shortcourse championships earlier this year and has outfitted about 170 Australian swimmers. Adidas says the swimsuits improve performance by compressing a swimmer's muscles. Thorpe, who broke the 200 freestyle record on Sunday and Monday, refused to give all the credit for his record-breaking stretch to his costume. "There's this perception that the suits make you go a lot faster -- I don't really think so," he said. "When I get up and I train as much as what I do, I don't think it makes much difference at all. I'll probably get in trouble for saying that because I'm not plugging my sponsor."
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