Swimming: Hi-tech suits banned
FINA have banned all non-textile swimsuits, although the new rule to does apply until 2010.
Last Updated: 24/07/09 5:35pm
FINA, swimming's governing body, has banned non-textile swimsuits from 2010.
A row over performance-enhancing all-polyurethane suits has engulfed the world championships in Rome where FINA agreed on Thursday to tweak a rule which will outlaw suits from aiding speed or buoyancy from next January.
"If what I have been told is spot on, it's a return to textiles. It's the only way to go," said British Swimming's performance director Michael Scott.
The ban on all non-textile suits will include the likes of the Speedo LZR, worn by Britain's double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington, with those wearing them at the Foro Italico perceived to be at a disadvantage against the 100 percent all-polyurethane suits.
Adlington's decision to don the Speedo LZR is one about which she has previously been vocal and the 20-year-old has acknowledged she may be at a disadvantage.
The Nova Centurion swimmer insisted she was not focusing on medals in Rome but instead on performing at her optimum, saying: "If I do a PB and come last I will be happy."
Comfortable
Scott added: "Rebecca is entirely comfortable in the Speedo and she is very confident. She is totally comfortable and relaxed.
"Suits come down to an individual choice, they come down to body type, also got to look at the distance and the stroke so it's not a simplistic thing to say that suit X is not good.
"It is freedom of choice.
"When an athlete gets up on the blocks she has to be totally comfortable with what they are wearing and totally comfortable in their preparation.
"She is making a choice. She has a contractual relationship with Speedo. We respect that.
"So Rebecca has made a choice that is her informed choice that she has made with her coach."
Scott expects less than 50 percent of the British team to be wearing Speedo despite them being the team sponsors.
