Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Olympic swimmers to shun new generation Speedo swimsuits?

Olympic swimmers to shun new generation Speedo swimsuits?
March 14, 2012

When Australia's top swimmers meet to contest Olympic selection at the national championships at the South Austalian State Aquatic & Leisure Centre this week, it appears most will not be wearing the latest in swimsuit technology.

According to a report in Sydney's Sun Herald newspaper, swimmers are unconvinced by Speedo's new generation high performance swimsuits, from Speedo's Fastskin3 range launched in Sydney last December.

Introduced as a "revolutionary racing system", the new suits were designed to replace the high performance polyurethane bodysuits banned by world swimming governing body FINA in 2009.

The Sydney Morning Herald exclusive suggests that "Leisel Jones and Libby Trickett, ambassadors of the global giant, are just two stars planning to wear old models at the Olympic trials."

The report adds "with millions already invested in the new suits and 138 days before the London Games, Speedo is anxious to address their concerns.

"The new Speedo suits have proved most problematic for females, who have complained of struggling to squeeze their behinds into the high-tech costume, only to find it too baggy around the waist.

"In the model the Fastskin3 was designed to outdate, there was more compression around the abdominals - now, the bracing is under the bust and legs.

"Male swimmers have their misgivings too. The criticism of another Speedo ambassador, Eamon Sullivan, is that the crutch in the Fastskin3 trunks is too short. Other men are feeling somewhat vulnerable due to the lack of a drawstring."

On Friday, Speedo Australia Marketing Manager, Brooke Nicholson, who has been dealing directly with swimmers about what she termed "quite a complex suit", explained the new range arrived late in Australia by about two months after delayed approval by FINA.

The 2012 EnergyAustralia Swimming Championships are being held at the South Australia State Aquatic & Leisure Centre in Adelaide from Thursday. The eight-day event continues until 22nd March.

Image: Speedo's Fastskin3 range at its launch in Sydney last December.

11th March 2012 - MORE THAN 800 SWIMMERS SET EYES ON LONDON

30th October 2009 - NATION SPLIT ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE BODYSUITS

30th July 2009 - SPEEDO POURS COLD WATER ON BODYSUIT BAN

29th July 2009 - FINA CONFIRMS BODYSUIT BAN 

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

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


Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

DAE Global

DAE Global is one of the world’s leading international creative and production practitioners, creating award-winning sport, culture and entertainment experiences for over 30 years.  It was…

read more

Culture / Entertainment / Events / Venues

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business