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New Swimsuits Unfair; Stick to Birthday Suits

Time to bring back Olympic tradition of competing naked, says columnist

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 8:08 AM CDT
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(Newser) – No sporting record lasts forever, but these days, writes Bloomberg columnist Scott Soshnick, athletes are demolishing them with almost ridiculous frequency. At the US Olympic swimming trials this year, no fewer than nine records were broken or equaled—a function less of talent than of technology. Perhaps it's time to return to the old Olympic tradition of competing nude, which would level the playing field—not to mention boost ratings.

Skills still matter in athletics, of course, "just less than a decade ago." And while swimming, with its new full-body racing suits, has been the most visibly transformed sport, track stars are wearing strange full-body gear and even basketball players are seeking a competitive edge through new uniforms. Time to strip the athletes, then, for it's not in technological suits, but in birthday suits that the best athlete wins.

Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Phelps of Ann Arbor, Michigan, adjusts his swimsuit as he answers reporters' questions while wearing a Speedo LZR racer swimsuit following a news conference introducing the high technology suit in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008.
Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Michael Phelps of Ann Arbor, Michigan, adjusts his swimsuit as he answers reporters' questions while wearing a Speedo LZR racer swimsuit following a news...   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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 New York.
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 New York.   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
Ryan Lochte swims in the new Speedo LZR Racer, the world's fastest swimsuit. The suit will be worn by athletes in Beijing.
Ryan Lochte swims in the new Speedo LZR Racer, the world's fastest swimsuit. The suit will be worn by athletes in Beijing.   (AP Photo)
American Olympic medalists Amanda Beard, left, Natalie Coughlin, right, and Michael Phelps pose with in new, high technology Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits they will wear during the Beijing Summer Olympics this summer during a news conference introducing the suits in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008.
American Olympic medalists Amanda Beard, left, Natalie Coughlin, right, and Michael Phelps pose with in new, high technology Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits they will wear during the Beijing Summer Olympics...   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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Just how much can the new Speedo help?
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'Putting on the LZR Racer was harder than giving birth'
Swim Network

 
nudity • 2008 Beijing Olympics • swimming • athletics • Speedo LZR Racer • swimsuit

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