Speedo, the creator of the LZR Racer suit that helped break scores of swimming world records over the last year, last week blasted the sport's governing body for its decision to ban high-tech bodysuits.
FINA ruled on July 24 that males will be restricted to suits that run from the waist to the knees (known as jammers) and females to suits that can't go past the shoulders or below the knees.

 

The ruling came after long concerns among some groups (including Speedo's competitors) that the numerous record-breaking times achieved through the suits had tarnished the sport's reputation.


Speedo's suit was worn by most swimmers involved in more than 100 records set in 2008. Since then, polyurethane suits made by companies such as Jaked and Arena have surpassed the LZR-with nearly 30 more records falling this year. The ban does not start until May 2010.
Speedo said its suit has helped boost the popularity and profile of swimming and accused FINA of making a rash decision that will ultimately harm the sport.


“As a forward thinking company that has invested millions in (research and development), we believe that technology – properly monitored and adhering to guidelines – does have a place in all sport,” Speedo said in a statement.


“Any move which seems to take the sport back two decades – such as a possible return to the traditional female swimsuit and male jammer – is a retrograde step that could be detrimental to the future of swimming.”


Speedo said its suit should not be lumped in with so-called “rubberized suits” that are thought to aid buoyancy.


“We recognize the catastrophic effect and controversy that the introduction of fully non-permeable wetsuits by certain manufacturers has had on the sport of swimming in recent months,” the statement said. “Speedo has always believed that there is no place in the sport for buoyancy aids.”


After Speedo's statement came out, another controversy erupted after multiple Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps on July 28 lost his first major championships in nearly four years at the World Championships in Rome. His competitor was wearing the Arena X-Glide suit-considered faster than the Speedo LZR Racer-which Phelps is contractually obligated to wear. Phelps' coach said the swimmer may sit out international competition until the issues surrounding the legality of certain swimsuits is resolved.