Thread: Phelps' first major individual loss in four years

Phelps suffers rare loss amid suit controversy - FOX Sports on MSN

Biedermann relished his win but acknowledged that he had a technological edge.
"The suits make a difference," the 22-year-old German said. "I hope there will be a time when I can beat Michael Phelps without these suits. I hope next year. I hope it's really soon."

Having been in the sport for 12 years earlier in my life, and another 2 coaching, I'm conflicted about this suit thing. Yes, they DO make a difference. I know I used the more hi-tech suits for my big meets back in the day. In a sport where first and second can be decided by .01 of a second, does it become "cheating" to have the hi-tech suit and it's advantages? Is it unfair that some countries have the technology, research and financing for those things while others don't? I think FINA's walking a fine line with the ban. But, I do think it'll be nice to see what things are like with an "even playing field" where every swimmer is given access to the same suits, or is denied that access to keep things equal. It'll be interesting for sure. And it'll be REALLY interesting to see the rematch between Biedermann and Phelps when the ban is in effect.

Phelps need to start smoking grass again.

so... does phelps not have the same suit as the german dude who won because of sponsorship conflicts or what? my in-laws saw this on the news today and wondered why he didn't just get one of those nifty things himself & use it until it gets banned or whatever if it's that great.

These kinds of debates have been raging for years and inevitably technology wins nearly every time. And unless I am mistaken every swimmer had the chance to use these suits, but some refused. Fina could have sorted all this crap out in February but money talks.

Phelps is sucking his dummy on this one though, he had no issues using the LZR(Only partially polyurethane) and thereby using the available technology to his advantage. Seriously if we was swimming in a bannana hamock I would understand his point, but he has used what was available to him in the past.

Phelps is sponsored by Speedo. He was given 1 million dollars to wear the LZR. He didnt want to ruin is sponsoreship with speedo to wear the new competitor suit.

Originally Posted by mudfisher

Phelps is sponsored by Speedo. He was given 1 million dollars to wear the LZR. He didnt want to ruin is sponsoreship with speedo to wear the new competitor suit.

So effectively if the boot was on the other foot him and his coach probably would not be bitching right now. What I would be worried about is how this German swimmer has in less than one year lopped off 4 secs from his time.

Originally Posted by Crazy_Ivan

So effectively if the boot was on the other foot him and his coach probably would not be bitching right now. What I would be worried about is how this German swimmer has in less than one year lopped off 4 secs from his time.

This!

Originally Posted by Crazy_Ivan

So effectively if the boot was on the other foot him and his coach probably would not be bitching right now. What I would be worried about is how this German swimmer has in less than one year lopped off 4 secs from his time.

I'm sure the suit would have been a non-issue if it was the other way around, for sure.

The 2nd part of your post is what should be looked at. At that level of swimming, 4 seconds off a race of that distance in less than a year is unheard of. And suspect in my mind.

Originally Posted by mudfisher

Phelps is sponsored by Speedo. He was given 1 million dollars to wear the LZR. He didnt want to ruin is sponsoreship with speedo to wear the new competitor suit.

o i c. tytyty.