What do you think about the Olympic swimming dispute over the new speedo swim suit?

Question

Why don't the Olympic athletes just go au natural as they did in the original Greek games? Aren't we enlightend enough to handle a little nudity for the sake of leveling the palying field (swimmig pool)?

Answer 1

It would be wonderful if everyone could wear the new LZR suit having said that there are some obstacles in the way.

First:  These suits are freakin EXPENSIVE.  Not everyone can afford to buy these suits.  Swimmers from less well off countries without huge swim programs could have a hard time affording these suits.

Second:  Not everyone enjoys the same type of suit.  Some swimmers cannot stand having suits that cover their knees where as some are comfortable wearing full body suits.

Personally I do not believe the suits will make a huge deal, yes they are designed to be faster, but like someone earlier said, swimming is a mental sport, if you believe you can beat the person next to you then that is half the battle.    :-)

Answer 2

I am not really sure what to make of it.

First of all I think they are over estimating the power of a suit.

After all it is the swimmer not the suit.

However that said I can see the German's point....Even if it is somehow "faster" it is more in your head than anything. But what you think can effect your proformance.

So I don't really know what they should do. It is not right to break a contract however you can see the swimmers point.

But when it comes down to it the suit is not that important. The Germans can win races if they are good enough in any suit.

Answer 3

I think they should all have to wear the exact same thing, of the exact same brand.

Answer 4

the new body suits improve performance because they reduce drag, so they are better than just a speedo/bathing suit or swimming nude

Answer 5

I dont understand why everyone doesn't just wear the LZR. It's not like ONLY the American and Australians get to wear it, right? I also wonder how much of it is a placbo effect. I always find myself thinking that I swim faster when I've just shaved, or if I wear a new suit or something.