Considering that more than a dozen WRs have been set with the new suits: Would you spend $400 to give yourself a decided advantage over your competitors and, if you win or set a record, how would you feel?
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What makes you think it's just the suit that is questionable about several of these performances? |
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I'm not positive she was questioning how the performances were accomplished, but the anomaly of records, along with the release of the new suits, is leading to much discussion about exactly what you're stating. So... for arguments sake... lets say it IS the suits, and you were the only one that had one. How would you feel when you won? (Unless you're talking relays. ;) |
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You question is obviously one of ethics...... However, we've been slicing and dicing WR and AR in the sport with equipment changes and stroke changes for the last 15 years. What's the difference in wearing a suit when your competitors are not wearing one vs. Eamon and Bernard wearing the suit and Popoff not wearing the suit ?...... Answer: about 8 years (2008-2000). There is no difference. Too bad we can't ask Popoff what he thinks in a closed door environment about the new records. How do the US sprinters feel right now that Eamon and Bernard are a full body length ahead of their best times..... or more. Is this helpful for US sprinters or hurtful going into the trials and the games? Does this make one want to work harder or rely on the suit and/or find an easy fix ? |
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lol. I told her she should make it about Masters Nats. :) Great points, and remember, you're talking to someone who's stroke has had many rule "updates" and changes since we've long since retired. I have to say I do agree with you, that technology can not be stopped, and you're right, this can do nothing to the US sprinters other than get them even more prepared. I also agree that this does, for the time being as supplies of "like" technology continue to be spread through the competitive world, become more of an ethical question... which so far, has been addressed by Swimming Canada, and the NCAA. Everyone can't get them... nobody can use them. So... how would you feel if you're the ONLY one wearing one of the suits, and you win? Better yet, what if you were the only one that had one at Masters Nats... and you LOST? |
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If I was given the chance to wear the suit at Masters Nationals knowing full well that most of my competitors would not have the chance yet, ... yes, I would. To win !??? ..... hell no..... to go a proportionaltely faster time than I would otherwise to prove a point. Masters swimming is for seeing old faces, drinking beer, and fighting the fat. If I wore the suit and lost....... well..... at least the suit would make me look good..... :-) I say we go back to jammers world wide. It's getting ridiculous. What merit is there in a record if you only beat it by the incremental margin that the suit provides benefit? John Smith |
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It's a shame that you just can't compare eras in any sport (in anything?) isn't it. Back in Popov's day he was clearly the outstanding freestyle sprinter, and he did it in a pair of trunks and no cap and very "big" hair. How would Sulliven/Bernard stack up back then? Who knows... How would Popov stack up now? Who knows... Not being an elite swimmer (just a "Master") £400 is out of the question. Would I wear one if I had the chance? Probably just to "see" what it's like. Would I wear one to really "race" in? I think not, because I race against myself - I'm not good enough to worry about racing against other people/elite swimmers. So I race against myself and try and keep a consistent playing field with myself in terms of equipment I race in - how else can I see if I've improved? |
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Do you think with all this technology in swimming do you think there will be a backlash at some point and some one will start a "traditional swimming" competition: briefs and goggles only? |
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Come on guys!!! What's wrong with you?
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A buddy of mind just forwarded me this article. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=new... Very interesting, and there we go on the short-axis stuff. |
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I think that if I had the money, I might consider buying one of these suits, but i know that a $400 suit is out of the question unless i pay for it. And if i did win or set a record, i would fell okay about it because i know that the suit wasn't the only thing making me go fast. you cant go a 1:04 in the 100 back at one meet, then buy a $400 suit and go a 1:02 without putting forth a lot more effort than you did before-the suit is just an extra. |
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Nice post rec. Point well made. I also like the "back to jammers", and "traditional swimming"... but I fear we ALL want to go faster... and if there's a suit with a corset, that's going to keep my back in alignment while I swim, and repel the water better, and make me look sleeker when I climb out... eventually... we'll all be wearing it. We're simply witnessing the next phase in technology in our sport. Just like when they STOPPED wearing full body suits because they created too much drag, and started wearing smaller, tighter, paperlike suits. Eventually... it'll be a level playing field again. |
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[i]"...corset..."[/]
Only kidding...:) |
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If I was using that suit and my competition did not have access to it, I would feel like my victory would be tainted. Speedo really dropped the ball on this one. A rush to get the suit out / marketing out before countries trials, worlds, NCAAs etc. could end up costing them a little in the short term. If this suit is approved, it is only a matter of time before it becomes the standard. Lets get a contingent together and get an old school, brief / standard women's suit meet. I think it would be great. Payouts for place, higher payouts for records. Lets see how far the training and talent has brought people. We can call it the Au Naturale Invite, its got a good ring. Au Naturale in "08! Yes We Can! |
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If you REALLY want attendance, really make it "Au Naturale"! Please make sure the water is warm though. ;) |
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