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Italian swimwear manufacturer Arena are set to launch their own high-tech bodysuit on Sunday after the sport’s world governing body FINA said its rules on swimsuit materials had been misinterpreted.
Swimwear manufacturers met FINA today to settle a dispute surrounding the use of the controversial LZR Racer suit, which its maker Speedo says has helped break 30 world records in the last eight weeks.
Rival swimwear brands had claimed the bodysuit, developed with the help of US space agency NASA, breached the sport’s rules because it contained illegal materials which enhanced performances.
However, FINA said other manufacturers following the rules on swimwear materials had misinterpreted the meaning of the word “fabric”.
“There was a broad understanding between the manufacturers and FINA that the rules were not meant, and should not be interpreted as limiting the fabrics but that other materials could be used,” FINA said in a statement.”
The use of bodysuits has been a controversial issue since they were introduced to the sport eight years ago, with critics claiming they broke rules outlawing buoyancy.
Arena CEO Cristiano Portas said a prototype of a new suit would likely be introduced at the world short-course championships on Sunday, with Filippo Magnini of Italy the first to wear it.
The Arena suit, like the LZR Racer, contains patches of polyurethane, which other brands had thought was outlawed. Several have complained their credibility has been hurt because swimmers contracted to wear their suits have used the LZR Racer instead.
“Now we know the interpretation of the material is free, we have something ready,” Portas told reporters. “It’s the very first prototype, but the feeling of the suit is special.”
Portas said the new suit, which is yet to be named, compacted and compressed the muscles and gave swimmers the sensation of buoyancy. Materials assisting actual buoyancy are outlawed.
Manufacturers have agreed to work on establishing a clear set of rules regarding swimwear and will push for the creation of an independent committee responsible for testing and approving all swimsuits.
“You need technical experts and lawyers,” Portas added. “We are competitors as much as the swimmers are competitors, and the best will win. This is a stimulation to improve, but the rules must be clear.
“Now it’s clear to everybody, but it’s late. We’ve invested money. Knowing this before would have been a lot of help for everyone.”
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