There hasn’t been this much drama over swim attire since the bikini arrived followed World War II. With just two months until the London Olympics swimsuits are stirring up trouble. This comes in the wake of the Speedo LZR Racer Elite was banned following the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
The Speedo LZR Racer Elite was notably worn by Olympic gold metalist Michael Phelps, and after the games aquatic leaders banned all rubberized bodysuits. This was thought to be the end of the technological “arms race” that stirred up the trouble in the first place. Bob Bowman, coach of Phelps has gone on the record to say that the suit matters and helps, but that it doesn’t change the swimmer. In other words the Speedo LZR Racer Elite doesn’t make Phelps transform into Aquaman.
So where are we now? Well, so far seeing a replay of 2008 as competitors are ditching the suits of their sponsors for those that are perceived at least to provide wearers’ with that edge in the water..
Interestingly it isn’t the Speedo Fastskin3, which was unveiled in November, isn’t catching the waves just yet. This system, which features angular goggles and a new cap that is designed to reduce resistance, isn’t floating everyone’s boat. We’ll have to see if the Fastskin3 makes Phelps fast in the water again.
[Via ESPN/AP: More swimsuit drama heading into London Olympics]