The Man Behind The Curtain – Part Two

By Brent Rutemiller

PHOENIX, Arizona, April 11. FINA had its obligatory meeting with swimwear manufacturers concerning new technology today in Manchester, England during the FINA World Short Course Championships. With an unprecedented twelve world records already broken in three days, a press release was sent out to the media concerning the meeting.

If you have not read Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain you should read it now before going forward.

The Following is the FINA Press Release in its entirety:
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Manchester (GBR), April 12, 2008 – On the occasion of the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Manchester, FINA held today its planned meeting with the representatives of the swimwear manufacturers.

The agenda included the review of the application of the FINA By-laws on approval of equipment in place since 2005. The meeting was also an occasion to receive the manufacturers' suggestions on the process.

In regards to the swimwear material, the discussion clarified that there was a broad understanding between the manufacturers and FINA that the rules were not meant and should not be interpreted as limiting the materials to [strictly] fabrics, but that other material could be used, as has already been the case for several years.

FINA confirmed that all the swimsuits approved so far are complying with the specifications.

It was agreed that the manufacturers will submit to FINA a common proposal for additional criteria and corresponding methods of testing which may be included in the process.

FINA will continue co-operating closely with the manufacturers and ensure the integrity and development of sport.
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The key phrase in this press release is "…the rules were not meant and should not be interpreted as limiting the materials to [strictly] fabrics, but that other material could be used…"

According to the Associated Press, Speedo produced a racing suit using a polyurethane MATERIAL covered WITH fabric. Most manufacturers are producing swimsuits using ONLY fabric. It should also be noted that Speedo is a sponsor of FINA.

Now everyone will be trying to clone the Speedo Genie and re-brand it with their name.

FINA had no choice but to broaden the definition of material. Now all the manufacturers are racing back to their mills to match Speedo and save the allegiance of the sponsored athletes. The clock is ticking!

Until the racing field is leveled, many are saying the destruction of 31 World Records since the new technology made its racing debut only a few months is akin to technological doping.

There is already talk of banning the new swimwear at the age group level in the United States due mainly to its costs and the financial burden placed on families to equip their young stars in the latest and greatest.

This story is far from over… Next round: Definition of Patent

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