I have been following some the FINA suit talk going on right now and it seems quite possible that they may go back to all textile suits - pre 2008 starting next year. If that happens, how long will some of these records stand ?
Tom Jager did a 21.8 in 1990 ... Popov dropped it to 21.64 in a questionable race ... sub 21 may take 30+ years.
J. Skinner went 49.44 in 1976 --Biondi did a 48.4 in 1988 Hoogenbaand went 47.8 in 2000 .... sub 47 would take another 25 years.
Parents
Former Member
If we analyze these time trial swims of Popov, Biondi, and Jager the differences are very close and not out of the ordinary. Popov at .27 (:21.91 to :21.64), Biondi at .24 (:22.09 to :21.85) and Jager at .31 (:22.12 to :21.81). Popov pointed out in an interview with Kelvin Juba many years ago that he had 4 other swimmers in the pool when he swam his time trial (and video evidence proves this) and Jager and Biondi had no one but themselves swimming one lane apart in the Nashville 50 free final.
Time trials are an allowable way to get a record. I don't think they should be, but a rule is a rule. I think Hall's swim was the "best" so if he writes to me I guess I'll send him an award. But no WR!
If we analyze these time trial swims of Popov, Biondi, and Jager the differences are very close and not out of the ordinary. Popov at .27 (:21.91 to :21.64), Biondi at .24 (:22.09 to :21.85) and Jager at .31 (:22.12 to :21.81). Popov pointed out in an interview with Kelvin Juba many years ago that he had 4 other swimmers in the pool when he swam his time trial (and video evidence proves this) and Jager and Biondi had no one but themselves swimming one lane apart in the Nashville 50 free final.
Time trials are an allowable way to get a record. I don't think they should be, but a rule is a rule. I think Hall's swim was the "best" so if he writes to me I guess I'll send him an award. But no WR!
