Sports Technology

FINA's ban on bodysuits from next year could throw the sport back two decades, according to an executive from leading manufacturer Speedo.

Critics of suits made from materials like polyurethane, which can potentially trap air against the body, have led the ban which will introduced next year.

However, Jason Rance, Vice President of Marketing at UK-based Speedo International, told the Reuters news agency that a forced return to all-textile briefs for men, confirmed this week by swimming's world governing body FINA, would be "a retrograde step."

Rance stated "my analogy would be next year at Wimbledon Federer and Nadal are about to start a game and you say, 'Hang on a minute, mate. Give me your nice carbon graphite racquet, here's a cane one from back in 1990. Have a good game.'"

29th July 2009 - FINA CONFIRMS BODYSUIT BAN

6th April 2009 - NEW FINA RULES FOR ROME WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

6th March 2009 - FINA CLARIFIES SWIM SUIT REGULATIONS

27th November 2008 - SWIMMERS DOMINATE SPORTS PERFORMER AWARDS

31st October 2008 - BAN FOR ‘HIGH TECH’ SWIM SUITS?

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