A revolutionary bodysuit that British swimmers hope will help them power to medals at the Beijing Olympics could be banned.
The skintight Speedo LZR Racer costume, which was developed with help from Nasa scientists, has been worn in 16 world record-breaking swims in just six weeks since its launch, and now swimmers are clamouring to try it.
But the sport’s governing body is worried that, because it apparently helps swimmers go faster, wearing it could constitute cheating.
Speedo sponsors the British team and our swimmers can test the super-suit at this week’s Olympic trials in Sheffield, where all 700 hopefuls for the team will have the opportunity to wear one.
Caitlin McClatchey, 22, who won two gold medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is one of Britain’s brightest hopes and has already tried the costume.
She said: “I just dived in and it felt like I was gliding for ever. It was really effortless through the water.”
“It would be great if the final of the Olympics could be just people and their talent and a true testament to an individual’s work ethic and ability, rather than wearing a suit to correct imperfections.
“But it’s not going to happen. It would be like Tiger Woods saying he wanted to go back to a wooden driver.”
One consolation for British swimmers if the Speedo suit is banned is that their medal rivals will also be unable to wear it.
The world’s top swimmer, Michael Phelps of the US, is hoping to win an unprecedented eight golds in Beijing, and is intending to wear one of the suits.
He said of Speedo’s creation: “When I hit the water, I feel like a rocket.”
And Australian Libby Trickett, who broke the 100m freestyle world record in the suit on Thursday, said: “It feels like I’m swimming downhill.”
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