Speedo is exploring whether to allow swimmers it sponsors to wear rival
manufacturers' new high-tech suits. Said Craig Brommers, vice president
for marketing, in a statement on Tuesday, “The brand is continuing to
evaluate the situation internally.”
The introduction of Speedo's LZR Racer suit 16 months ago led to a
flood of world records, including at the Beijing Olympic Games. As a
result its success ,sponsors at competitors such as Nike were allowed
to wear the Speedo suit. Now, according to the Associated Press, other
companies are making suits that some swimmers believe might be even
faster.
Last Monday, swimming's governing body approved modified versions of
suits worn by Frenchmen Frederick Bousquet and Alain Bernard in
unofficial record-breaking races. That means the previously banned
Jaked 01 and Arena X-Glide suits can be worn when the U.S. national
championships begin next Tuesday.
Nike let its swimmers wear the LZR last year, then later exited the
elite competitive swimsuit business. Japan's national team also allowed
its swimmers to wear the LZR at the Beijing Olympics, breaking its
agreements with domestic swimsuit makers.
USA Swimming requires that for suits to be approved for use at
nationals, manufacturers must guarantee the suits will be available to
all competitors to prevent shortages. Both Jaked and Arena have made
those assurances.
