TOKYO - Japanese officials have averted a potential Olympic revolt by permitting swimmers to wear Speedo's controversial LZR bodysuit at August's Beijing Games.
Japanese swimmers wearing Speedo's new LZR suit (L-R) Yoshihiro Okumura, Takeshi Matsuda, Reiko Nakamura, Haruka Ueda, and Kosuke Kitajima are seen in this combo photo at the Japan Open 2008 in Tokyo June 6, 2008. [Agencies] |
The Japan Swimming Federation (JSF) on Tuesday gave in to pressure to allow its athletes to ditch approved manufacturers Mizuno, Descente and Asics at the Olympics.
The JSF's about-turn came after intense pressure from swimmers and coaches and 48 hours after Kosuke Kitajima broke a world record wearing an LZR suit.
"Our basic thinking is that we want to produce the best possible results in Beijing," JSF president Toshihiro Hayashi told reporters.
"We studied the issue from many angles and everyone has decided with one heart to give the swimmers the freedom to choose the swimsuits they want at the Olympics."
World records have tumbled over the last few months, almost all by swimmers wearing the LZR suits, which Speedo says reduces drag, muscle oscillation and skin vibration.
"The swimmers have got what they wanted and the door has opened for them," Japan's head swimming coach Koji Ueno said. "If they don't get the results now there will be no excuses."
Double Athens Olympic champion Kitajima shattered the world best in the 200 metres breaststroke, while a further 16 Japanese records were set by swimmers wearing LZR suits over the weekend.
Kitajima stormed to a time of two minutes 7.51 seconds in Tokyo on Sunday to slice almost a second off the previous record held by American rival Brendan Hansen.
