Phelps' coach Bowman favours return to records „of the old era“

Berlin (pps) since the introduction of the high-tech swim suits in February last year a total of 208 World records have been set up – 100 alone this year. However, at the FINA Congress in Rome, the International Swimming Federation decided to revert back to „jammers“ (for men) and textile suits (they have to end above the knee) as of January 1, 2010. This is why the end of the World record flood is expected.

„As of next year, only training and physical shape will be decisive for the performance of the swimmers in a race. In the past the swim suit also played an important role even in training. This is why there were so many differences in performance“, explained bob Bowman, coach of Michael Phelps. „I don't care what happens. I'm geared to the future. Records are there to be broken“, said Phelps.

Bob Bowman is in favour of a separate FINA World record list. „The records set in high-tech swim suits should be recognized and remain so. But they should be kept in a separate list. And as of January 1, the records prior to the high-tech era should serve as a basis“, the successful US coach explained.