The bodysuit war that reduced the 2009 swimming world championships to farce and effectively turned the sport into a battle of technology could erupt again on Wednesday when Michael Phelps takes to the catwalk to launch a new outfit for next year's London Olympics.
Phelps was bitterly opposed to the now-banned swimsuits that were used in Rome two years ago, refusing to wear them because he believed they aided buoyancy, but he is getting ready to promote a new space-age suit. More than 40 world records were set during the championships, setting off howls of protests, and Phelps, who said he considered quitting the sport, was vindicated when the sport's world governing body FINA agreed to ban them and place a limit on technology.
However, with the start of the London Olympics less than eight months away, Phelps will join fellow Americans Ryan Lochte and Natalie Coughlin on Wednesday to unveil the latest suit they will wear in London. Makers Speedo say it is both revolutionary and innovative and will produce a flood of world records at the Olympics.