Well, I'm coming back to swim at Master's meets after a 5 year hiatus (surgeries, etc) and find that I cannot wear my "Farmer John" suit bought in 2000 and worn in 4 previous national meets (except this spring). Not a "tech" suit by any means but a hell of a beer-gut bra! Not sure I would get on the blocks without it so the hiatus may continue. Is it worth alienating us "plus-sized" guys over this silly rule? I suppose it will give me yet another reason to dump some weight. Looks like those other 50+ breaststrokers won't get beat by this fat guy any time soon.
Anyone else out there feel the same? I know most of you out there don't have this problem but to have a rule that reduces participation seems counterproductive.
Lee Rider
Fort Bragg, CA
The past mantra from techies was, "You're swimming against yourself, leave us alone. We're not hurting anybody." Interesting to see the switch.
What switch? I haven't switched, nor have many of the other pro-suit folks that I know, but at this point the rules are the rules. And wearing unapproved swimwear in a sanctioned competition is against the rules. Diving in for a butterfly race intending to swim freestyle is also against the but at least the race starts with the presumption that you intend to follow the rules. Wearing approved swimwear fails that check.
I don't like the ruling, I voiced my point of view to appropriate folks but it is the ruling so now I'm trying to deal with it by building a better boat.
The past mantra from techies was, "You're swimming against yourself, leave us alone. We're not hurting anybody." Interesting to see the switch.
What switch? I haven't switched, nor have many of the other pro-suit folks that I know, but at this point the rules are the rules. And wearing unapproved swimwear in a sanctioned competition is against the rules. Diving in for a butterfly race intending to swim freestyle is also against the but at least the race starts with the presumption that you intend to follow the rules. Wearing approved swimwear fails that check.
I don't like the ruling, I voiced my point of view to appropriate folks but it is the ruling so now I'm trying to deal with it by building a better boat.
