PARIS, France, May 22. IN an interview with L'Equipe, French technical director Christian Donze stated that the French Swimming Federation could join Japan with faster national records than world records in the near future.
Fred Bousquet and Alain Bernard's world records in the 50 free (20.94) and 100 free (46.94) could wind up not being ratified by FINA due to the duo wearing suits that were not approved.
Donze stated in the L'Equipe interview that France would appeal any denial of the records, and would have lawyers look into the possibility of recognizing the times as French records if they are rejected by FINA as global marks.
Donze further explained that France asked FINA for a list of prohibited suits heading into the French National Championships on Montpellier, where the world records were set. At that time, FINA could not provide the French with a list.
Donze also criticized FINA on the timing of the approved list release. Donze stated that the French still do not know what they can wear with two months to the World Championships. The interview also reiterated the request that most everyone in the swimming community wants – the list of banned suits.
Japan already went on the record yesterday stating that it planned to ratify Ryosuke Irie's world record in the 200 back as a Japanese record, even if FINA rejects it as a world record.
Full L'Equipe article in French.