New Swim Suits Opposed -- September 7, 1999

Australian swim coach Forbes Carlile urged FINA to reverse itself and ban new Teflon-coated, Lycra-powered bodysuits by next year's Olympics. The neck-to-ankle suits, which reduce drag and minimize muscle fatigue, are worn by Australian swimmers Michael Klim, Susie O'Neill and Ian Thorpe. Carlile was concerned that not all swimmers will be able to take advantage of the new suits and wrote FINA technical committee chairwoman Carol Zaleski, urging her to stop the development of what he believes are external aids.