Could Speedo Cause Olympic Disaster?

Being German, I may be able to comment -- they will NEVER miss an opportunity to make an excuse at a big meet. I don't exactly know what happened over the last 15 years, but overall the German swimmers have turned into a bunch of babies. Even the coaches know that sports psychologists seem to be more important than the suits (and that came up 2-3 years ago - not now with the LZR). In Athens - it was the wind and swimming outdoors (go figure) ???? There will be a couple of exceptions (Lurz for example - although one does have to question her dramatic time drops very late in her career) - but overall, I would expect maybe 2-3 medals, no matter what suit.

It does pose an interesting question though - let's say you make the finals of the Olympics with an Arena suit and we all realize that the LZR does make you maybe 2/10th faster. I would just say "screw the sponsor - they can send me home afterwards, but they won't be able to take a medal away - I am wearing whatever is faster."

I'm just torn on this stupid issue. I want to see exceptional swimming at the olympics, preferably based on physical and mental strengh not some techno suit. I have this nagging feeling that every time someone will win or break a record in this damn suit it will be overshadowed by it. It sucks to be a swimmer that can not get this suit or is contractually obligated to another brand this year. How would you feel if you had worked your ass off in the pool for most of your life, qualified to the olympics(or any other world swimming event) only to get served by someone who is wearing this suit? It's got to sting......

Being German, I may be able to comment -- they will NEVER miss an opportunity to make an excuse at a big meet. I don't exactly know what happened over the last 15 years, but overall the German swimmers have turned into a bunch of babies. Even the coaches know that sports psychologists seem to be more important than the suits (and that came up 2-3 years ago - not now with the LZR). In Athens - it was the wind and swimming outdoors (go figure) ???? There will be a couple of exceptions (Lurz for example - although one does have to question her dramatic time drops very late in her career) - but overall, I would expect maybe 2-3 medals, no matter what suit. German here too, and I could not agree more. I almost wish they would shut up because they do have a pretty valid point. But coming from them it just comes across as WHA WHA WHA....

Oh my... I didn't even notice any probs the first time I saw these pics a while ago. Phelps isn't too bad b/c you usually see men's bulges in their suits. As for Beard... dang - wouldn't that alter the suit's performance? LOL! As for your question, Ande - I think this LZR issue is going to go absolutely NUTS before and during the Olympics (probably after as well).

Some funny observations... www.uniwatchblog.com/.../

Brings to mind the cucumber scene from 'Spinal Tap'....

Brings to mind the cucumber scene from 'Spinal Tap'.... ....Or the "Ibuprofen scene" from Jim Thornton's "Sea Isle Polar Bear Plunge 2008" video: www.youtube.com/watch

on a side note does any one feel the the photo of phelps and beard seems a bit too revealing Speaking of this, there was a funny quote by Tara Kirk in today's Seattle Times. Olympic silver-medal swimmer Tara Kirk, from Bremerton, knows how to make a splash. At last week's Olympic media summit, where Beijing hopefuls were interviewed by hundreds of journalists over four days in Chicago, Kirk made some memorable observations. On Speedo's new ultrathin LZR swimsuit, credited with helping break records, Kirk said the suit revealed a little too much. And she wasn't talking only about a mole on her hip. "We have had a few comments in the locker room about the suits showing some, um, I'll call it 'side boob,' " Kirk said. "I can't believe I just said that on a microphone." seattletimes.nwsource.com/.../2004360928_olynotes20.html And, no, I don't share Mel's enthusiasm for the suit.

does any one feel the the photo of phelps and beard seems a bit too revealing OMG, a little too revealing :rolleyes: