Stand up and fight

SPEEDO ® has developed a high tech swimsuit, SPEEDO ® Fastskin™, based on the hydrodynamic properties of sharkskin. Modeling the Fastskin™ on attributes found in nature is an example of biomimesis...a mimic of natural biology. Sharkskin is covered with tooth-like scales called 'denticles.' The denticles reduce the friction or drag of the water as the shark swims. The SPEEDO ® Fastskin™ mimics the sharkskin with drag-reducing grooves. Sharkskin is covered with tooth-like scales called 'denticles.' …

…swimmers are wearing the neck-to-ankle version without sleeves. Opposition comes on three fronts. One, swimming's world governing body, known as FINA, has approved the use of the suit even though its bylaws prohibit any device that enhances an athlete's "speed, buoyancy or endurance" in competition. John Coates, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, has accused FINA of misinterpreting its own rules in allowing the bodysuits, which clearly aid in speed and lift in the water.