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July 07, 2008

Naked Olympics?

I've watched with bemused interest the growing controversy over the new Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits favored by Olympic swimmers. The accusation is that it's not swimmers setting new records but rather it's the LZR suit that's setting the records. The solution is obvious enough.

Swim naked!!

Seriously. Wouldn't that be the ultimate equalizer? Everyone would be on a technologically level playing field.

Ah, but the prurience which passes for the norms of a "civilized" society couldn't handle something like that. There will be plenty of naked bodies near the Beijing Olympics. But you won't find any of those... er... events listed on the official Olympic schedule of sanctioned events.

If the goal is to get technology out of competitive swimming while maintaining our prurient sensibilities then it seems to me that hand-woven suits - made only from natural fibers, of course - are the only way to do that. Or... wear animal skins.

Meanwhile... it does my middle-aged heart proud to see that 41 year old Dara Torres set a new American record in the 50 meter freestyle on her way to her 5th Olympics!

Posted by Kevin at July 7, 2008 09:38 AM