Kitajima, wearing Speedo suit, sets 200-meter breaststroke world record

Sunday 08th June, 05:22 PM JST

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Latest 15 of 21 Total Comments Show All

cleo at 02:21 PM JST - 8th June

I agree with Mrs. timtak.
pathat at 03:58 PM JST - 8th June

However, Speedo’s competitive edge became clear as Japanese swimmers who tested the LZR Racer set 10 new national records on the first two days of the Japan Open.

All of these new national records deserve an asterisk with the explanation: SEP-Swimsuit Enhanced Performance.

As someone else mentions above, it is difficult to know where to draw the line. However, if these suits are responsible for such dramatic time differences, everyone should have access to them, or no one at all.
Ultradude at 04:28 PM JST - 8th June

Runners have fancy shoes and every country provides facilities, nutritionists, trainers, coaches, etc for all their athletes. The countries that can not afford it will not bring home the medals. Nothing new here...
WorkinginHiroshima at 06:14 PM JST - 8th June

Ditto with antizombie

The best non-commerical, unsponsored essay on the LZR issue is here:

http://canuckswimmer.blogspot.com/
some14some at 07:46 PM JST - 8th June

Speedo seems 'katakana' word for Speed. Any assurance that these athletes will not be out from Olympics with same speedo?
MichaelJP at 08:27 PM JST - 8th June

My wife recons that they should play the games like the ancient Greeks, naked.

I really don't want to see male springboard divers and gymnasts spinning through the air with things flapping about due to centrifugal forces.
WorkinginHiroshima at 08:31 PM JST - 8th June

The federation of all national swim federations, FINA (oversees Olympic Swimming), approves any new swim-related garments, googles, etc. for competition. Thus, SPEEDO, among other FINA approved suits, have as part of their "approval" or "certification," that they HAVE to make available to any or all elite level swimmers with the identical LZR suits- incorporating the same technology per suit.

If after post race analysis, a suit was differently constructed differently than the agreed upon FINA parameters, then said records and/or medals would be voided.

Each individual swimmer can technically purchase (?) a SPEEDO product, if his previously contracted swim suit manufacturer lets him or in Japan's case, if the Japanese Swimming Federation allows a sanctioned swimmer to change brands.

It is pretty clear, all or most of the Japanese swimmers will be given permission to "jump ship" and use SPEEDO LZR instead of their previously contracted Japanese brands- Mizuno, ASICS, and Arena(made under license with Decente).
flammenwerfer at 12:18 AM JST - 9th June

it's a swimsuit, like any sport that has equipment, manufacturers are going to come out with better equipment. Cycling and skiing are two great examples and it's much much more expensive to have what the best people have in those two sports. A $500 swimsuit is not much if you are an elite swimmer.
nandakandamanda at 01:11 AM JST - 9th June

It's the way the world works. 100 meter runners bend forward at the finishing line. Ski jumpers fly through the air in their crafty penguin suits. Look at the new soccer ball for Europe 2008. Just gotta make it equally available for everyone. "Level" playing field.
papasmurfinjapan at 08:55 AM JST - 9th June

That being said, sports and especially the Olympics are suppose to be about how far we can take our bodies NATURALLY in competition

I totally agree. That is why I strongly suggest that all professional athletes should be naked. Sure, it may hurt the long jumpers a little on landing, but it is a small price to pay for fairness.
Richard_III at 11:35 AM JST - 9th June

Most of the posters here are a bunch of luddites.

Next they'll be suggesting that swimmers shouldn't be using the latest exercise methods or using energy drinks and gels. This clothing probably only accounts for 1-2% of performance, the remainder down to hard work, physical condition, stroke technique etc. If you or I put it on, we would hardly go out and win a gold medal.
Altria at 11:45 AM JST - 9th June

Amazing piece of technology that Speedo have come up with. Taking a whole second off the world record when he didn't even feel at his best is simply amazing. It does create a real disadvantage for those who don't wear it.

Give everyone the Speedo suits, or get rid of the full length body suits.

Having all the swimmers in the tiniest outfits modesty permits should level the playing field, and provide some entertainment for spectators as well.
sappquest at 02:40 PM JST - 9th June

It is so obvious that swimmers' natural ability is not responsible for the records being broken. It's shameful that the world body hasn't banned the use of these suits by any country since it places the 'haves' (money) against the 'have nots' (money). I'd be ashamed to break a record wearing one of those, it would be like taking steroids in Track and Field...I'd prefer to break records with natural talent.
ca1ic0cat at 08:38 PM JST - 9th June

you know, I don't care how fast they go, there is still no way they are going to make a Speedo suit that looks good on a 50 y/o guy with a beer belly....
SEANCES at 10:21 AM JST - 15th June

He looks good in them lzrs - but whats next? a suit with floating devices and fins?