Man…or Suit?

By Phillip Whitten

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 8. HOW much do swim suits really matter?

Apparently, not as much as many swimmers believe.

In this morning's prelims of the men's 100m backstroke, top qualifiers Lenny Krayzelburg and Aaron Peirsol appeared to go out of their way to make a point: no matter what they are wearing, they are going to win.

"Hi-tech body suit, old nylon suit, fur coat? It doesn't matter," they seemed to be saying. "You can't beat me!"

Lenny posted the fastest time of the morning, 54.91, wearing a traditional cut Speedo suit. Peirsol, who touched in 54.93, wore a new NIKE jammer — but it had holes at the hips on both sides.

Lenny set the fastest 100 Back qualifying time despite wearing a "traditional" suit and no cap.

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