Speedo slams FINA swimsuit decision
Speedo has criticised FINA’s decision to ban many high-tech body suits.
The International Swimming Federation announced on July 25 that men will only be allowed to wear suits that run from the waist to the knees, often referred to as jammers. Women will not be allowed to wear suits that go beyond the shoulders or below the knees.
The swimwear firm said in a statement: "As a forward-thinking company that has invested millions [in research and development], we believe that technology—properly monitored and adhering to guidelines—does have a place in all sport."
It goes on to say: "Any move which seems to take the sport back two decades—such as a possible return to the traditional female swimsuit and male jammer—is a retrograde step that could be detrimental to the future of swimming."
The FINA Congress voted 168-7 to ban all suits containing polyurethane, but Speedo feels it is unfair to compare its suits with those that are thought to aid buoyancy. "We recognise the catastrophic effect and controversy that the introduction of fully non-permeable wetsuits by certain manufacturers has had on the sport of swimming in recent months," the statement says. "Speedo has always believed that there is no place in the sport for buoyancy aids."
It also points out that the LZR suit was “developed in strict accordance with FINA rules and regulations and fully approved by FINA in 2007” and that it “has had an unprecedented positive impact on the sport of swimming since its launch".
