Swimming is undergoing a change. For the past eight years the swimming world has seen an arms race. Hundreds of suit makers, competing with each other, in an attempt to help the swimmers they sponsor shave seconds of their time. Critics say it is changing the sport. They say races are now won by technology instead of talent. But innovations in swimsuits are just as beneficial out of the water as they are in.
In the past swimming was a rather obscure, stagnant, sport. But, when new suits were invented, swimmers started breaking records. Swimsuits were tighter and covered more of the body; creating a more streamlined, buoyant, and faster swimmer. The sport became more popular and with that attention came money. Thanks to Michel Phelps and his record-breaking times, swimming was one of the most watched sports during this past Olympics. However, a lot of those stellar times would not be possible with out the aid of expensive, scientifically researched, suits.
But where do we draw the line? Last week the swimming governing board decided to put limits on these suits companies have spent millions on researching. Suits for men are now only allowed to cover between the waist and knee, and they must now be made out of textiles. But, does this benefit swimming? Sure, it will be more about the athlete’s natural abilities, but it also means slower times and less money for the sport. Swimsuit companies have limits on what they can do with suits now, which means less sponsorship and research dollars for many professional swimmers.
This ban does not affect people like Michael Phelps, who have more than enough money thanks to sponsorship deals. But, it could affect many 2nd and 3rd tier swimmers. Swimmers who depend on their suit sponsorship money to compete, money that will dry up because of this ban. Swimming might now become more about natural ability, but many swimmers will not be able to afford showcasing that ability.
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