Swimming times are measured not only in minutes and seconds, but also in hundredths of seconds. In this competitive world, one-tenth of a second is significant. Take a look at the swim times below. Fill in the chart with your answers. One style covers most of the body, from the neck down to the ankles and wrists.
Some suits leave the arms exposed and end at either the knees or ankles.
Others cover just from the waist to the knees. The bodysuits also work much like girdles do, squeezing in the body to make a swimmer as streamlined as possible in the water. A rash of world records broken by athletes wearing the new gear is causing some to question whether technology is overtaking athleticism. Some believe that the recent record-breaking swim times stem more from psychology than from technology. FINA, the world governing body of swimming, ruled that Fastskin bodysuits do not make swimmers any faster or more buoyant, so they can be worn during international competitions.