Swimsuit Controversy Needs to Be Resolved, and Fast

By John Lohn

SHIPPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, May 25. Guess what's being addressed in this week's column? Surprise, it's the whole suit controversy. It just won't go away. No, it's more and more like an over-the-top soap opera, the subplots so numerous, they are hard to follow. All that's missing is a steamy affair, but there's still time.

There's really no need to go into extensive detail over the latest developments in the suit charade, for anyone who cares about the sport is well aware of what's been happening. So, we'll keep the synopsis brief. The Jaked 01, worn by Fred Bousquet in his 50 free world record, is out. So is the Arena X-Glide, donned during Alain Bernard's global standard in the 100 free.

The blueseventy, too, didn't gain approval, nor did the Descente Rubber, worn by Japan's Ryosuke Irie during his world-record performance in the 200 back. The LZR Racer, meanwhile, is good to go for this summer's World Championships in Rome, its approval leading to speculation that Speedo's power is simply overwhelming.

Despite FINA's ruling on the suits, several national federations – Italy, Japan and France — have indicated they will either recognize national records set in unapproved suits or, as is the case with Italy, will allow swimmers to wear illegal suits for the upcoming World Champs Trials. Yes, you read that right. Italy could thumb a nose at FINA and let the monstrosity that is the Jaked 01 carry swimmers – literally – to the fastest times in their careers.

Look, none of this who's-wearing-what garbage is going to end until January of next year, when FINA cracks down further on what is allowed in the water by imposing permeability laws. But, the world governing body for the sport took a step forward by outlawing some swimwear that was borderline containing a motor. An exaggeration? Maybe, but you get the point.

It would have been even better to see the list of what is allowed reverted to what was worn at the 2007 World Championships, which would mean the LZR Racer would be outlawed, too. After all, that's the suit that started this mess to begin with. Since that unfortunately didn't happen, we'll have to live with what has been decided and trudge through the year as best as possible.

Which brings us to the nations that are thinking of defying FINA. Whether they like it or not, the unhappy countries operate in a swimming world that is governed by the organization. If FINA says the Jaked 01 isn't legit, then it's not legit. Simple as that. Done deal. The second these countries decide to race internationally, they must be expected to abide by the laws set forth.

By choosing to follow their own rules and disobey an order from their master, more anarchy than has already surfaced will be realized. Let's take Japan, for example. If the Japanese federation decides to recognize Irie's record, but FINA does not, the sport will look like a total joke. Wouldn't you like to explain to a new fan of the sport that the Japanese record for the 200 backstroke is faster than the world record? You'd deserve a look of, "What the heck is that about?"

Meanwhile, if Italy goes ahead and has a Jaked-fest at its World Champs Trials, the times for seeding purposes will be thrown out of whack and the athletes will be placed at a disservice when it comes time to race for World Champs medals and they must wear something they haven't in a while. Here's an idea. Use the Trials as a transition stage to wearing what WILL BE ALLOWED in Rome for the World Championships.

What's sad in this whole process is that the hard work of the athletes is going overlooked. Because these technological advances have taken over the sport, credit is not being placed where it belongs – on the athletes' shoulders. Then again, that credit can't be placed until something is completely done about the suits and a true understanding of what is being posted in the pool can be reached. At least the first step has been taken, but January can't get here soon enough. Until then, it's incumbent on the national federations to fall in line with what FINA dictates – like it or not – and not make more of a mockery of this already pitiful situation.

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