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Swimsuit Battle Heads to Court

Rival company claims Speedo too chummy with sport's leaders

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 12:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – Swimwear maker TYR Sport has filed suit against rival Speedo, alleging that the maker of the much-touted LZR Racer has an inappropriately close relationship with the sport's governing body. "There's a big issue with a lot of the comments out there coming through USA Swimming and (coach) Mark Schubert about the relative merits of the LZR suit," a TYR attorney tells the AP.

TYR is not questioning the quality of the LZR, in which 37 world records have been broken in three months. It alleges that Schubert has made disparaging remarks about other suits and has as good as recommended that athletes break their contracts with rival companies. TYR claims damages of over a half million dollars.

In this Feb. 12, 2008 file photo, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Phelps poses in a Speedo LZR racer swimsuit following a news conference introducing the high technology suit.
In this Feb. 12, 2008 file photo, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Phelps poses in a Speedo LZR racer swimsuit following a news conference introducing the high technology suit.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
California-based TYR Sport filed a federal lawsuit this week alleging that rival Speedo, manufacturer of the record-breaking LZR Racer, has conspired with USA Swimming to stifle competition.
California-based TYR Sport filed a federal lawsuit this week alleging that rival Speedo, manufacturer of the record-breaking "LZR Racer," has conspired with USA Swimming to stifle competition.   (AP Photo)
Ryan Lochte (USA) swims in the new Speedo LZR RACER, the world's fastest swimsuit. The suit will be worn by athletes in Beijing, unless TYR Sport wins its lawsuit against the rival company.
Ryan Lochte (USA) swims in the new Speedo LZR RACER, the world's fastest swimsuit. The suit will be worn by athletes in Beijing, unless TYR Sport wins its lawsuit against the rival company.   (AP Photo)
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