Debate on over neck-to-ankle swim suits

SYDNEY, MARCH 16: Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates' concern that swimmers could expose themselves to legal challenges by...

SYDNEY, MARCH 16: Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates’ concern that swimmers could expose themselves to legal challenges by wearing new neck-to-ankle swimsuits during the Olympics is at odds with Australia’s head swimming coach.

“The Australian Olympic Committee will need to be saying to our athletes, `you can swim in a body suit but we’re not going to take the risk that this might be overturned on a protest’,” said Coates.

But Australian head coach Don Talbot said National swimming authorities had already confirmed with world swimming authorities that it was okay for athletes to wear the bodysuits.

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“Australian swimming did receive from Fina, probably two months ago, a letter saying that the suits were quite legal and that swimmers could use them,” Talbot told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re a goer.”

In previous Olympics, swimmers have worn brief swimsuits to cut down on drag through the water. Coates said the results of swimmers wearing the new bodysuits could be challenged in court by swimmers who don’t wear them.

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