I would argue that the turning back the clock argument is a red herring and the attempts at defining the appropriate limits on the cut of suits are a side show.
The important question is what is the appropriate role of the suit/costume in swimming? Is it to cover the body or is it to enhance performance? The rules are pretty clear that suits are not supposed to enhance performance but the authorities want to have their rules and their sponsorships too.
The secondary questions seem to be whether it is practical to define and avoid performance enhancing, and whether the current system of manufacturer sponsorship is the best way to fund the sport.
I don't know if there is any practical way to avoid performance enhancement due to compression short of defining the cut. Is there a practical way to legislate away corset technology? There are various sports that mandate standard equipment so that is one viable route, and it still allows for controlled technological advancement.
On the economic impact front you could make a rule that any suit used in competition has to be available to the public for $100, or whatever cost you like.
I would argue that the turning back the clock argument is a red herring and the attempts at defining the appropriate limits on the cut of suits are a side show.
The important question is what is the appropriate role of the suit/costume in swimming? Is it to cover the body or is it to enhance performance? The rules are pretty clear that suits are not supposed to enhance performance but the authorities want to have their rules and their sponsorships too.
The secondary questions seem to be whether it is practical to define and avoid performance enhancing, and whether the current system of manufacturer sponsorship is the best way to fund the sport.
I don't know if there is any practical way to avoid performance enhancement due to compression short of defining the cut. Is there a practical way to legislate away corset technology? There are various sports that mandate standard equipment so that is one viable route, and it still allows for controlled technological advancement.
On the economic impact front you could make a rule that any suit used in competition has to be available to the public for $100, or whatever cost you like.
