Italian Olympic Committee scientists are undertaking an in-depth study of the new high-tech swimsuits that are rewriting the sport’s record books.
Acting on a recommendation from the Italian swimming federation, the committee’s Institute of Medicine and Science will study the relationship between the new suits and the recent onslaught of world records.
Nineteen long-course and 22 short-course world records have been set this year, nearly all of them by swimmers wearing the space-age Speedo LZR Racer, which was designed with the help of NASA.
The Italian team, which is sponsored by Arena, has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the new suits, with head coach Alberto Castagnetti saying they amount to “technological doping.”
However, swimming world governing body FINA has stood steadfast behind the new suits, reaffirming twice this month that they conform to all regulations.
Detractors say the LZR is illegally buoyant and that FINA has no test to determine buoyancy.
Buoyancy and fluidity are among the characteristics of the suits that the Italian institute will examine. The relationship between the new suits and athletes’ mechanics will also be studied.
Several suits from different manufacturers will be tested.
The project is expected to take two months, and be finished before the Beijing Olympics in August.
© AP 2012Recommend this story.
- Explore:
THE ROAR ON