I compete at triathlon (the modern pentathlon variety, swimming, running, shooting), which entails a 100m sprint swim in a pool. Recently many masters competitors have been sporting full body suits, and claiming that this has reduced their competitive times by up to 6 seconds over a 100m! Is there any evidence that these costumes can bring about such dramatic improvement? My own feeling is that if they do, then it's a form cheating as the costume has become an artificial aid - so I haven't invested in one yet!
What is the general feeling about the use of these costumes for pool events?
Joan
Hi Joan,
I have worn the full body suit (to the knees and no arms for 8 years now. My experience has been that the suit improves my times by 1.5 - 2.0 seconds per 100.
I understand your reluctance to use technology to improve your time. However, haven't there been improvements in running shoes and running uniforms that have aided the athletes? And, certainly, there most be improvements in the manufacturing and design of guns that improve the quality of your shooting?
Why does improved uniform for swimming stand out when improvements in running gear and shooting gear are not brought under the same scrunity?
Just curious...
Paul Windrath
Hi Joan,
I have worn the full body suit (to the knees and no arms for 8 years now. My experience has been that the suit improves my times by 1.5 - 2.0 seconds per 100.
I understand your reluctance to use technology to improve your time. However, haven't there been improvements in running shoes and running uniforms that have aided the athletes? And, certainly, there most be improvements in the manufacturing and design of guns that improve the quality of your shooting?
Why does improved uniform for swimming stand out when improvements in running gear and shooting gear are not brought under the same scrunity?
Just curious...
Paul Windrath
