Watersports blog

Men’s swimwears are becoming a rage these days following the world-record breaking performances made by top swimmers since the Beijing Olympics last year. Multiple Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, who wore a bodysuit swimwear, gained worldwide attention following his eight gold-medal haul at that time, making him the athlete with the most number of Olympic gold medals.

At this point, Phelps said that the controversy caused by the men’s swimwear calls for a much needed change in swimwear rules. According to reports, these new men’s swimwear suits have polyurethane content which boosts the swimmers’ speeds.

Several new world records have been set in this week’s World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy which left the spectators and players stunned in disbelief.

Phelps, a 14-time Olympic gold medalist, said that it may be time to revert back to usual men’s swimwear or “banana hammocks” (tight fitting men’s swimwear).

FINA, a global policymaker on swimming competitions, is now back on the discussion tables as officials debate on what should be done next to resolve the controversy involving high-tech swimwear.

Critics from all over said that these swimwear trap air which adds buoyancy to the swimmer.

When Baltimore born Michael Phelps started collecting medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a lot of people cocked their heads and thought: “Maybe I should start swimming again”.

Whether it was his intention or not, the 23 year old American athlete has undoubtedly renewed the world’s interest in water sports. There’s nothing like a rally for gold medals and Olympic history to encourage people to don their Bikinis and dive back into the water.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics in itself was bound to renew interest in all sorts of water sports. After all, the Games showcase all sorts of water sports from diving, synchronized swimming and relays. But it was Phelps’ record breaking success that drew attention the pool once more. Previous 2004 Olympic star swimmer Ian Thorpe of Australia has also done his share to highlight water sports.

Visits to public pools in the US increased during the Olympic week. Some public pools even posted continuous updates about America’s reigning swim star. School swim teams also enjoyed a renewed interest. More kids have taken up swimming this year. A number of them were also interested in synchronized swimming and diving events.

Hopefully this interest in Water Sports will hold until the 2012 London Olympics. Maybe then a new star will follow in Thorpe’s and Phelps’ footsteps.