Controversy Reigns at Jose Finkel Trophy Competition

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, August 31. ACCORDING to Swimming World South American correspondent Alex Pussieldi, plenty of administrative issues are occurring at the Jose Finkel Trophy meet taking place in Brazil this week.

Early on in the meet, referee Jefferson Borges stopped the 200 backstroke event at the starting blocks due to confusion regarding swimsuit usage. Pussieldi, who is commentating on the event for SporTV, noted that Borges saw a FINA approval label of 09/09, which stands for September 2009, on five different suits. Borges delayed the start of the race, with swimmers changing into briefs, then returning back to their original suits after meet officials noted that suits with this particular label were approved.

The delay occurred with the backdrop of live television, causing a stoppage of several minutes. According to Pussieldi, any suit issues should have been handled in the ready room, not at the starting blocks.

Meanwhile, Italo Manzine Duarte had to swim twice in 50 free prelims after an issue with the starting block on his first swim. Duarte's second swim of 22.97 pushed him to semis. Cesar Cielo, reportedly, also injured his finger during his 50 free start due to starting block issues.

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