If the full body rubber suits do end up getting banned, why should USMS follow their lead on this issue? (i.e. assuming the suits would continue to be manufactured).
Isn't Masters mostly for each individual to pursue what they want and the level they want out of the sport?
If the full body suit is preferred by many USMS participants, why not satisfy the base by keeping it available?
What's really the point of forcing old USMS swimmers out of their girdles if FINA bans them?
John Smith
The reason to ban tech suits from any form of competition, I believe, is simple. Use of high tech suits probably affects fairness.
I suspect and have heard many theorize that certain body types benefit more from these suits than others. In a sport that is already dominated by taller people, have the suits widened the gap between the taller (or bigger) swimmers vs. their smaller foes by exacerbating the advantages of having a large frame and by alleviating some of the penalties of having a large frame?
I am certainly no scientist, but I would be interested in hearing how wearing the suit affects a 5"6" 150 lb swimmer contrasted with a 6"6" 235 lb swimmer. What studies are out there (if any) that relate to the suits and one's body mass, height, weight, etc.?
In addition, the suit no doubt helps remove the profound effects of poor stroke mechanics by providing buoyancy. A swimmer with excellent form loses much of the advantage that they have EARNED through practice and dedication.
I'm not sure that I understand the argument in favor of high tech suits and this is coming from a slow, overweight, novice swimmer that has more to gain in terms of performance by using one than most. While it won't help me to catch the John Smiths of the swimming world, it just may help me to beat somebody in my age group who is a better swimmer and has worked harder.
The reason to ban tech suits from any form of competition, I believe, is simple. Use of high tech suits probably affects fairness.
I suspect and have heard many theorize that certain body types benefit more from these suits than others. In a sport that is already dominated by taller people, have the suits widened the gap between the taller (or bigger) swimmers vs. their smaller foes by exacerbating the advantages of having a large frame and by alleviating some of the penalties of having a large frame?
I am certainly no scientist, but I would be interested in hearing how wearing the suit affects a 5"6" 150 lb swimmer contrasted with a 6"6" 235 lb swimmer. What studies are out there (if any) that relate to the suits and one's body mass, height, weight, etc.?
In addition, the suit no doubt helps remove the profound effects of poor stroke mechanics by providing buoyancy. A swimmer with excellent form loses much of the advantage that they have EARNED through practice and dedication.
I'm not sure that I understand the argument in favor of high tech suits and this is coming from a slow, overweight, novice swimmer that has more to gain in terms of performance by using one than most. While it won't help me to catch the John Smiths of the swimming world, it just may help me to beat somebody in my age group who is a better swimmer and has worked harder.
