BEIJING, Aug 5 (AFP): With the start of the Games just days away, Chinese swimmers are still debating a last-minute switch to the sensational new Speedo LZR Racer.
The high-tech bodysuit has figured in more than 40 world records since its release in February, and the Nike-sponsored Chinese swimmers have been given permission to wear it.
But without a custom fit, the LZR might not be to their full advantage, Australian Denis Cotterell, who is guiding Chinese freestyle hope Zhang Lin, said here.
"We still don't even know what suit he'll be wearing," Cotterell said. "Nike is his sponsor. They've given him a generic Speedo suit, but they don't quite fit."
A good fit is essential in the LZR. The water-resistant nature of the fabric means that if it isn't just right, water can become trapped in the suit and actually slow a swimmer down.
Cotterell, who coached Aussie distance king Grant Hackett to his first two Olympic 1,500m freestyle gold medals, started helping Lin eight months ago and is now working as an adviser to the entire Chinese team.
"It's different," Cotterell said, noting that there were fewer sports scientists involved in China's preparations.
However, he said the facilities being used by the Chinese teams at the National Sports Center were of a high standard.
"The camp's protected by the army. A lot of sporting teams are there. It's good - it has got everything," he said.
Cotterell said he thought Zhang, currently ranked seventh in the world in the 400m freestyle, would make the final.
Suit dilemma for Chinese swimmers
FE Team | Published: August 06, 2008 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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