German swimmers fear a disastrous performance at the Beijing Olympics because they will be wearing the wrong swimsuits.
The country's Olympic trials have been overshadowed by the swimmers' demands to be allowed to compete in the Speedo LZR Racer. Twenty-two world records have been shattered in the high-tech suit since its February introduction.
The Germans say their medal chances are bleak at the August 8-24 games unless they can wear Speedo instead of Adidas.
"The German swim federation has to seriously consider it, otherwise we will sink completely into mediocrity," Thomas Rupprath, one of Germany's top swimmers, said on Saturday.
Rupprath lost his 50-meter backstroke world record two weeks ago to Liam Tancock, who swam in a Speedo. If you listen to US head coach Mark Schubert, an outspoken supporter, that just shows every record could fall at the Beijing Games due to the suit.
But many swimmers, some contractually bound to other sportswear companies, argue that the Speedo is unfair and gives athletes added buoyancy in the pool. World governing swimming body FINA says no scientific evidence supports the claims and has refused to ban the LZR Racer.
Whether the German swimmers are disadvantaged against Speedo-clad rivals is real or not, head coach Orjan Madsen thinks the belief is now firmly stuck in their heads - and won't be easy to dislodge.
"I don't believe the best psychologists in the world can accomplish that," Madsen said.
The swimming federation won't end a four-year contract with Adidas worth 4 million euros (US$6.2 million). It runs until 2009, with an option for the sportswear company to extend two more years.
Despite the swimsuit debate, Germany has set a pair of European records two days into its Olympic trials. Sarah Poewe swam 1 minute, 7.10 seconds in the 100 breaststroke and Helge Meeuw finished the men's 100 backstroke in 53.10.
(Shanghai Daily April 21, 2008)