USA Swimming President Jim Wood expressed disappointment in FINA’s decision to approve an additional 198 swimsuits Monday, bringing the total of allowable suits for the summer world championships in Rome to 400. USA Swimming, however, adopted FINA’s list. Wood’s statement is attached.
USA Swimming stands firm in its desire to preserve the integrity of the
sport, and for that reason, we will continue to push for stricter
restrictions on swimsuit technology. We are highly disappointed by the
FINA ruling released Monday, but in order to keep USA Swimming’s rules
in compliance with those of the international governing body, we will
immediately adopt the revised list of approved swimsuits. Moving
forward, we encourage FINA to carefully examine this matter in order to
ensure the best possible future for our sport.
I agree with the Aussies: old speedo briefs. I am sure Mark Spitz can dig his out of his closet and hand them out at Worlds…
Results should be based on form, technique, endurance, practices, etc. not on technology that can differ from athlete to athlete. The pools get better and better and that is great for all swimmers. Keep the suits simple.
As a referee on deck, the last thing I want to do is worry about 400 kinds of legal suits…