FINA...in their grand wisdom, has decided NOT to make Libby Lenton's 52.99 as a world record. This has been reported the the Herald Sun out of Australia.
Once again, FINA shows that it is run by politicans, not swimmers or swimming fans.
So, Thank You FINA for once again screwing things up.
I think the FINA Technical Rules Committee made the call based on the Rules that are written. Its to bad that Libby didn't do this swim in the Women's 400 Free Relay leadoff because they would have counted it. If they allowed this to go thru, this would set a precedent that other swims not defined by the FINA Rules that could count for World Records.
I agree with this, but I do think it's the wrong decision. It is clear to everyone that Libby Lenton swam a 100 meter freestyle. Her split was recorded with electronic equipment, and as you mentioned, would have counted if this was a women's relay. So what's the difference? The only difference I see is she was swimming with a fast man next to her. So, whether stated or not, the fact she may have gotten some benefit from drafting had to be a factor in their decision.
I think the FINA Technical Rules Committee made the call based on the Rules that are written. Its to bad that Libby didn't do this swim in the Women's 400 Free Relay leadoff because they would have counted it. If they allowed this to go thru, this would set a precedent that other swims not defined by the FINA Rules that could count for World Records.
I agree with this, but I do think it's the wrong decision. It is clear to everyone that Libby Lenton swam a 100 meter freestyle. Her split was recorded with electronic equipment, and as you mentioned, would have counted if this was a women's relay. So what's the difference? The only difference I see is she was swimming with a fast man next to her. So, whether stated or not, the fact she may have gotten some benefit from drafting had to be a factor in their decision.
