We’re not sure if we’re going to call it technological doping as the Italians do but if the new Speedo swimsuit is giving an unfair advantage to a swimmer who uses it vis-a-vis someone who doesn’t, then something’s wrong somewhere. We hope this gets resolved before the issue becomes a messy affair.
Italians cry foul over space-age swimsuits
thewest.com.au
The truth about the performance-enhancing impact of the controversial space-age swim suits is set to be revealed before the Beijing Olympics.
Well, maybe.
Italian scientists will attempt to split fact from fiction in the great swimsuit debate by undertaking a study on the relationship between the new suits and the recent avalanche of world records.
The massive drops in times across the globe since the introduction of the Speedo LZR Racer in February has generated near hysteria on the pool decks of Europe.
The Italians have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the new suits, with head coach Alberto Castagnetti saying they amount to “technological doping”.
The Italian Olympic Committee is determined to get to the bottom of it, having asked their Institute of Medicine and Science to find some answers.
But like everything to do with the suits, vested interest is at the heart of the matter.
The Italian team is sponsored by Speedo’s rival Arena.
Nineteen long-course and 22 short-course world records have been set this year, nearly all of them by swimmers wearing the LZR Racer which was designed with NASA’s assistance.
Swimming’s world governing body FINA has reaffirmed twice this month that they conform to all regulations. Detractors say the LZR is illegally buoyant and that FINA has no test to determine buoyancy.
Buoyancy and fluidity are among the characteristics of the suits that the Italian institute will examine. The relationship between the new suits and athletes’ mechanics will also be studied.
Several suits from different manufacturers will be tested but the major interest will be on the LZR Racer, which is worn by the Australian Olympic team. The project is expected to take two months and be finished before Beijing Games start on August 8.
The inherent problem the study will find is determining exactly how much difference the suits are having on the performance of swimmers.
Most swimmers only peak once or twice a year at major competitions and there can be countless reasons for drops in times – particularly in Olympic years.
That the suits are having an impact is indisputable. But by how much is much harder to determine.
