Why does MLB prohibit the use of aluminum bats or spitting on baseballs or letting players use steroids (okay - two out of three)? Why does NASCAR prohibit fuel injected engines or certain transmission gear ratios? Why does the PGA disqualify certain golf balls or regulate golf clubs? Why can't basketball players where stilts or use a trampoline? Enough is enough, when a piece of equipment can alter the record books and cheapen the physical accomplishments of every past athlete, it's time to say stop (don't you think?).
The integrity of our sport is on the line here. How about two dolphin kicks for breaststroke or how about adding another arm-stroke to the backstroke turn or allowing IM'ers to turn-over before they touch on the back to *** transition.
I'm against the LZR and any suit that enhances performance and don't think I'll be changing my mind unless they find out swimming naked can make you swim faster.
Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.
Coach T.
Out of curiosity, do you think, Smith, that wearing one of these suits would enable a person to go under 2:30 LCM in the 200 free? I can't imagine anyone being unable to go a 2:30 but I'm petty sure there are a few flailers out there who struggle with this time standard, and therefore a LZR might be of benefit.
just read an article in OGGI italian magasine about lzr. It is made in lake como, Erba . think women's scarves, mens silk ties. they claim the suit is faster because it massages the swimmer's body
Is it manufactured by Sofia Loren?
I wouldn't mind that kind of massage.
Actually nylon is superior to polyester for old school mentality and workouts.
Note also.... Compys are the preferred goggle with nylon.
As for the cheatin' rubber suits........ I'm inclined to agree with tomtopo.
Enough is enough. Mens suits should be no more than regular jammers.
I watch the sport to see the battle, the win and whomever's finger nail touches the wall first. This is what is important ..... not the technological advantage.
(no comment on Ande's vampire nails)
John Smith
Enough is enough so I won't start a new thread...interesting article in The Economist, 06-14-20/2008 on page 100 entitled "Making No Waves". See also cool picture of woolly mammoth hairball on same page.
Brent Rushall has an amazing article on bodysuits coachsci.sdsu.edu/.../2008suit.htm
Thanks for posting this, Allen. I like the psychological perspective.
Someone here told me yesterday that he ordered an LZR for his son, who is going to junior nationals. He got discounts through his son's age-group coach or team (or both, I'm not sure I completely understood) and by the time it was all said and done he paid $160.00.
So the $550.00 list price for the LZR may be more like the manufacturer's MSRP for a new car... perhaps no one actually pays it.
I am worried about what the very high cost and short life of the suit will do to (a) the accessibility of swimming at the age group level and (b) men's college swimming programs. Both of these could have serious impacts on swimming in the US.
A really valid point. A college team with deeper pockets could undoubtedly have an advantage if they were able to outfit everyone in LZRs.
One could argue that a competitor only needs pair of goggles, a polyester suit, and some skills to back it up.
But on the other hand, when races come down to tenths and fractions of a second, a techno suit could make all the difference. That's been proven.
College swimming budgets could be further stressed if LZR's become a mandatory part of their team gear.
Technology isn't really the negative. The downside appears to be high cost and limited availability which can make the playing field uneven...especially for swimming programs with limited $ resources.
Maybe at the FINA level (where corporate sponsors are spending big cha-ching)....a $500 disposal suit doesn't impose a negative impact on the sport in terms of accessibility for every athlete. If Michael Phelps (or whomever) tears a suit, they snaps their fingers and Speedo-usa throws ten more into the duffel bag.
As a masters competitor, in my opinion, if Jane or John Doe wants to wear one...more power to them.:weightlifter:
I admit I've only had time to skim Rushall's article, but based on what I saw I get the feeling he went in with the idea that these suits can't really make much difference and emphasized points supporting that notion and dismissed evidence to the contrary. I don't think there's any question there's a lot of hype surrounding the suits, but at the same time at least anecdotal evidence suggests they really do make a difference.
