FINA bans bodysuits that have led to spate of world records

[cboy4]

I dunno. I liked their look for some reason





By Lisa Dillman

July 25, 2009

Reporting from Rome — Swimming is attempting to turn back the clock.

Eventually.

FINA, the international governing body of swimming, voted today to ban the controversial high-tech, non-textile swimsuits. Not only have the suits been responsible for a rash of world records but there has been a Wild West atmosphere among apparel manufacturers and swimmers, all trying to gain a competitive edge.

But the new restrictions, however, won't be in place until 2010.

This means that world records could be set here in the World Swimming Championships, which start Sunday, in suits that won't be legal next year.

"There's going to be an issue no more," FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu said.

USA Swimming was one of the catalysts behind the change in rules.

Swimmers and coaches preparing for the Worlds, the most important swim meet behind the Olympics, were widely in favor of the move.

"A swimsuit's a swimsuit," Michael Phelps said. "If you're ever going to compete at a high level and compete consistently it's going to be because of the work you do in training. I've worked as hard as I can to get to where I am now and I've put in countless hours.

"I like it. I think it's going to be good."

more-------------> http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-world-swimming25-2009jul25,0,3297612.story

[rocktivity]

1. I'd sure like to understand how they work--I thought the LESS you wore, faster you could swim

Here's a start:
http://www.speedo80.com/lzr-racer/features/

The guys on my college swim team would shave their body hair.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[Iggo]

2. Wasn't the Italian team trying to get the US swimsuits banned...

...during the most recent Olympics?

[joeybee12]

3. The guy who beat Phelps today said it was because of his suit and he

hopes they're banned.

[El Supremo]

4. Sometimes they are a bit embarrassing >>

This is one of the funniest wardrobe malfunctions since Janet Jackson showed her breast during the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

It was the rip heard 'round the world. Beijing Olympic gold medalist Ricky Berens stunned onlookers as he ripped the back of his swimsuit Sunday during a qualifying heat of the 4x100m relay freestyle at the World Swimming Championships in Rome.

It was a qualifier like any other, until the University of Texas senior stepped up to the starting block and bent down to stretch, completely ripping open the back of his suit.

"I kind of freaked out for just a second," Berens said. "I felt like was almost down to my knees. I felt like I was putting on a pretty good show."

http://www.examiner.com/x-17367-Miami-Celebrity-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m7d28-Gold-medalist-rips-swimsuit-bares-butt-to-the-world



I bet Cboy would have liked this photo.

[joeybee12]

5. Thank God he has a good butt...

...I want to be superficail and point out that if someone has a good butt, this is ok, if not, arrest them!

[joeybee12]

6. Thank God he has a good butt...

...I want to be superficail and point out that if someone has a good butt, this is ok, if not, arrest them!