Michael Phelps could refuse to take part in international meets until FINA bans high-tech bodysuits.
Phelps' coach makes threat after defeat at World Championships
Michael Phelps could refuse to take part in international meets until swimming's governing body bans high-tech bodysuits, according to his coach.
Phelps went down to his first major international defeat since 2005 on Tuesday as Paul Biedermann, wearing a 100 per cent polyurethane Arena suit, won the 200m freestyle world title in a world record of 1min 42.00sec at the World Championships in Rome.
Governing body FINA has already announced that it will uphold a decision to outlaw the high-tech suits next year, but the ban may not come into force until April or May.
And, speaking afterwards, coach Bob Bowman warned that the body had better 'do something or they're going to lose their guy who fills these seats'.
"This move to April is unacceptable," he added.
"It has to be January 1, if not, you know, next Monday. You can't trust what they say. It might be never.
"My recommendation to him is not to swim internationally until this is resolved."
Biedermann responded diplomatically to questions about the suit.
He said: "The suits make a difference of course. I think we're in a dangerous situation with what comes next.
"It's really important to go back to the real swimming.
"I hope there will be a time I can beat Michael Phelps without the suit of course and I hope that it could be next year or the next two years, but I also think it's not all about the suit."
Positives
Phelps, meanwhile, attempted to put a positive spin on his 1min 43.22sec time after taking a six-month break following the Olympics.
"Theoretically that was a pretty good swim for me - three-tenths off my best time after taking six months off," he said.
"I'm mean, I'm not happy, but I know I didn't train much this year. For right now, I'll take it - but I'm not pleased."
