Not everyone approves of the suit. Aleksandr Popov of Russia is the most well-known swimmer who does not wear a bodysuit. He shattered the world record in the 50-meter freestyle in June and said he would continue to wear the same briefs that brought him two gold medals in the sprints at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Gary Hall Jr., who finished second twice to Popov in Atlanta, agreed with his rival. It's an attempt by the swimsuit manufacturers to make everyone believe that the suit makes the swimmer, not that the swimmer makes the suit.
Opposition comes on three fronts.
John Coates, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, has accused FINA of misinterpreting its own rules in allowing the bodysuits, which clearly aid in speed and lift in the water. Two, not every athlete has had equal access to the suits or has been able to have one custom-fitted. The American swimming federation initially banned the suits from the trials, saying they would be unfair because not every athlete could get them. The federation quickly backed down last month when a swimsuit manufacturer filed a grievance with the United States Olympic Committee. It was clear today, however, that some swimmers were experimenting with the suits for the first time with the trials only a day away.