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
Parents
Former Member
Thanks for the responses. Why do I feel these particular suits are different than advances in running shoes or pistols? If the difference attributed to the suits was .6 of a second, then I have no problem with them, as they are probably just reducing drag, which has been the aim of competitive costumes for decades, but if they give added buoyancy to those who are less adept at body balance and compress muscles, then I feel that they are an aid. So I guess I really need to understand how they work before I would feel comfortable using them.
An example of pistol technology which is not allowed in Pentathlon is telescopic sites for instance. Also any advances in pistol or shoe technology would appear to benefit all competitors equally - but in our event it is only the "runners" who are claiming amazing PBs whilst using the full (inc. arms) body suits! By the way, as the events are not run concurrently, we have at least an hour between each event to get changed into appropriate gear - so whether or not they are good for running is is not an issue here. On a personal note, I have come back to the sport after a five year break, and am trying to get back to my previous times - I'm gradually getting there, but I guess for my own satisfaction, I'd like to know it was because of the training rather than just advances in equipment! Again thanks for your input. Joan
Thanks for the responses. Why do I feel these particular suits are different than advances in running shoes or pistols? If the difference attributed to the suits was .6 of a second, then I have no problem with them, as they are probably just reducing drag, which has been the aim of competitive costumes for decades, but if they give added buoyancy to those who are less adept at body balance and compress muscles, then I feel that they are an aid. So I guess I really need to understand how they work before I would feel comfortable using them.
An example of pistol technology which is not allowed in Pentathlon is telescopic sites for instance. Also any advances in pistol or shoe technology would appear to benefit all competitors equally - but in our event it is only the "runners" who are claiming amazing PBs whilst using the full (inc. arms) body suits! By the way, as the events are not run concurrently, we have at least an hour between each event to get changed into appropriate gear - so whether or not they are good for running is is not an issue here. On a personal note, I have come back to the sport after a five year break, and am trying to get back to my previous times - I'm gradually getting there, but I guess for my own satisfaction, I'd like to know it was because of the training rather than just advances in equipment! Again thanks for your input. Joan
