bscta : Concerns about bodysuits

In view of this current position, considerable concern was expressed at our meeting over the potential unfair advantage this will give to the few selected swimmers in our sport who have access to these suits. We feel, therefore, that the use of these suits at our Olympic Trials would create a very “unfair and un-level playing field”. I have therefore been asked to write to you on behalf of the British Swimming Coaches Association to express our concerns and ask that you consider not allowing the Speedo Fast Skin Bodysuit, in all it’s various forms, to be worn at the Olympic Trials.

While we accept that conclusive evidence is still unavailable as to whether these bodysuits actually enhance performance as advertised, I am sure you are aware that similar concerns have already been expressed by the Coaching Association’s in both Canada and USA. As a result, the wearing of the body suit has been banned at their Olympic Trials. These decisions were taken largely in the interest of fairness to all competitors as the suits were not available to all participants.

A comprehensive review of the topic can be found on the following site and it’s associated links: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/swimming/bodysuit/table.htm

Furthermore, some concern was also expressed at our meeting about the current endorsement of bodysuits by FINA for use in competitive swimming events. The debate centres around whether the wearing of these suits, because of their intent, contravenes FINA rule, SW 10.7.? This rule states that: "No swimmer shall be permitted to use or wear any device that may aid his speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Goggles may be worn."

As leading swimming author Brent Rushall (2000) has commented, "The important word here is "may." This implies that only the intent of the device / equipment / costume is of concern. The fact that the bodysuit manufacturers have publicly espoused the performance-enhancing quality of their products should be sufficient to make them unacceptable under this rule since, at worst, they may improve performance (which in swimming is measured by speed)."

Our sport has, over the last 30 years, seen considerable technical advances in swim suit design and the materials used. It is of some concern, however, that we may well be approaching a stage where an individual’s performance will be more reliant on the equipment worn rather than the human endeavour to simply move fast through the water.

We feel this is going to be a major issue in the pool at the Olympic Games.

Our Association looks forward to your reply on this issue.

Yours sincerely

Colin Stripe

Secretary, BSCTA

Copies to: Craig Hunter, Deryk Snelling, Dave Bance