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Bodysuits approved in Britain
Posted: Thursday June 08, 2000 09:29 AM
LONDON (AP) -- Britain's Olympic swimmers were given the go-ahead Wednesday to wear the new full-length bodysuits which have changed the look of the sport. The British Olympic Association ruled that swimmers could use the Speedo neck-to-ankle 'Fastskin' suit, which reportedly can improve performances by three percent. The BOA said swimmers can wear any bodysuit, including that made by rival manufacturer Adidas. Because the British team is sponsored by Adidas, those choosing to use the Speedo bodysuit must wear it without any commercial logo, the BOA said. "The BOA is confident this decision will enable the swimming athletes to compete to their full potential and that the BOA has acted in their best interests," BOA chief executive Simon Clegg said. However, the British swimming federation - sponsored by Speedo - said the BOA decision failed to clarify the issue. "It begs the question: What is a bodysuit?" said federation chief David Sparkes. "Any garment that departs from traditional swimwear must now be defined as a bodysuit ... Britain's swimmers are still left wondering what they can train and compete in. Today's decision does not give them the clarity they have been waiting for." The Speedo Fastskin suit is modeled on shark skin. The world swimming federation FINA has sanctioned the swimsuits but some contend the technology violates international rules, which prohibit any device that aids a swimmer's speed, endurance or buoyancy. Ian Thorpe wore an Adidas bodysuit at the Australian trials last month, setting three world records. Speedo International president Joe Fields hailed the BOA decision as "fantastic news" for British swimmers. "Obviously, wearing whatever they feel most comfortable in gives them huge psychological benefits," he said in a statement. "With this decision no one should feel disadvantaged and everyone can now concentrate on training hard for the Olympic trials in July."
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