COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, June 23. IN response to FINA's bombshell announcement that nearly all suits are back in play, USA Swimming has followed the lead of the international federation by adopting the revised list.
In a press release distributed today, USA Swimming confirmed the move.
Based on FINA's ruling Monday, USA Swimming will adopt as legal in general competition, all suits included on the revised FINA-approved list. The list published Monday includes an additional 198 suits, which have been added to the original 202 that were approved.
Additional requirements regarding availability of swimsuits will still apply for the 2009 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships.
However, USA Swimming still plans to back stricter regulations from FINA in the future.
Statement from USA Swimming President Jim Wood on the FINA Swimsuit Ruling:
USA Swimming stands firm in its desire to preserve the integrity of the sport, and for that reason, we will continue to push for stricter restrictions on swimsuit technology. We are highly disappointed by the FINA ruling released Monday, but in order to keep USA Swimming's rules in compliance with those of the international governing body, we will immediately adopt the revised list of approved swimsuits. Moving forward, we encourage FINA to carefully examine this matter in order to ensure the best possible future for our sport.