Time for swimsuit companies to take lead

While the swimsuit fiasco that has ruined swimming history rages on and jockeying takes place within the FINA ranks for political clout in the fallout, there is one stakeholder that can take immediate steps to bring meaningful change.

Swimsuit manufacturers are not to blame for this debacle but they weren't innocent bystanders either and they now have the ability to begin the repair job.

Last week the FINA Congress (all the swimming nations) voted overwhelmingly to return to non-permeable, textile only suits by January 1, 2010.

It was also proposed that suits for men would be from waist to knee only and for women, shoulder to knee with an open back. While this decision was done hurriedly and without the proper consultation it is at least a step in the right direction.

Now the goons on the FINA Bureau have decided that the swimsuit manufacturers need until April or May to make enough suits for the swimming world under the new rules and specifications. Bollocks!

With less than a month's notice these companies were able to prepare enough "bubble" suits to rocket propel every swimmer at the World Championships so why on earth over the next five months wouldn't they be able to revert back to silhouettes they have used in the past and material similar or the same as they used pre-February 2008 ?

Granted the new suits will not cost as much as those produced in the last 16 months and yes that will effect profit margins but the future of swimming is on the line here.

I challenge all swimsuit manufacturers to stand up and say "we will ensure we have the 2010 version of approved suits ready on January 1". In the end they will profit anyway - swimming nude is still out of the question.

Who will be the first to truly show they care as much about the sport and those that participate, in the pool and out (their clients and future clients), and take the lead that FINA so horribly lost.

Don't forget the man in the bubble

Out of all the sports I love, and there are many, swimming sits at the top of the tree.

So it is with infinite sadness I view this year's FINA World Swimming Championships that begin (or at least the pool component does) in Rome this Sunday.

It has been well documented that FINA's bludgeoning of their own sport by allowing the use of swimsuits, that can be seen as nothing short of a hydrodynamic 'bubble', means this meet will border on farce.

Records and history will be demolished like never before. Ranking rising missiles whose body shapes are fortunate enough to be aided more than their rivals by these formerly unthinkable speed suits will come from everywhere. Athletes will be beaten purely by those with better rubber technology.

No manufacturer is innocent in this debacle but the water spout of blame must rest squarely on the pampered shoulders of those at the head of the FINA decision making table. Shame, FINA, shame!

But I ask for a moment that you to take a step back and consider the athletes inside the floatation devices.

They are the innocent victims of this whole situation that has raged on for a few years now and has come to an ugly head this July. Those and their coaches, families, fans and friends. Shame, FINA, shame!

From Michael Phelps to Eric the Eel - every swimmer will be affected one way or another. The meet will be written off by the media and just about everyone else as the fiasco it is and that is somewhat unfair on the athletes.

Granted, what was once a world record, a top ten all-time swim or a PB is in nigh all cases now no longer relevant but these athletes have still trained and prepared to be at their best for this eight-day period. They will still stand on the blocks and give their all for themselves and their countries, knowing a world title is on the line. The times they swim will mean jack, the effort they put in will not.

Think of those whose dreams will be shattered and those who will achieve something previously unthinkable. And hope too that the latter achievers know in their heart of hearts how they improved so much so quickly.

Think of the athlete fortunate enough to be paid by a manufacturer (and again, while not the cause of this mess, no manufacturer is free of all guilt here) as an ambassador who is forced to make a decision on which suit to wear based on a fear of having no chance of winning because they believe loyalty, a contract and no doubt the associated sponsorship dollars means something. While these athletes may have benefited more than others in the past, none deserve to be put in this position by the boffins running their sport.

Think of those whose achievements will forever be looked upon, a little unfairly, in a category not that far from those that used induced performance enhancers.

Shame, FINA, shame!