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PARIS (AFP) – World swimming's ruling body FINA on Tuesday refused to give approval to 10 swimsuits, including some of those made from polyurethane and which were used, controversially, to set new world records.
The use of swimsuits in recent years has caused huge controversy in the sport because some experts, including some top swimmers, believe their use gives an unfair advantage in the pool.
In particular critics of the all-polyurethane suits claim the compression and buoyancy which results from their use helps boost speed.
This led to FINA, swimming's world ruling body, to put all 348 swimsuits, from 21 manufacturers, to full review.
After two days of tests and meetings FINA on Tuesday approved 202 swimsuits, rejected 10 and called for modifications to be made to the remaining 136.
The "X-Glide" by Arena and the "Jaked 01", which have been used notably by French sprinters Alain Bernard and Frederic Bousquet respectively to set new world records last month, did not appear on FINA's approved
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