Michael Phelps on Open Water

After Michael Phelp' amazing third gold-medal swim in the 200-meter freestyle where he shattered his own world record and destroyed the field, Michael told the world's media, "I wanted to try to get out in the open water and I was in the outside lane, so it was kind of difficult for the others to see me. I just wanted to get out there and try to hold on."

His comment was reminscent of David Davies' strategy at the 2008 World Open Water Swimming Championships.

It also reminded us of his answer to the question posted to Michael by Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal reporter Kevin Helliker, "Beyond Beijing, would you ever consider swimming open water?"

Michael grinned widely and said, "Not a chance. No way. I won't do open water."

It is our strong belief, however, that if he choose to add open water swimming to his repertoire, he would become the world's greatest open water swimmer if he so chose.

No Speedo LZR Racers in the English Channel

According to the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation, no person in a standard attempt to swim the English Channel shall use or be assisted by an artificial aid of any kind, but is permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear one cap and one costume. The word "costume and cap" shall mean a garment, not made of neoprene or rubber or any other material considered by the Federation to give a similar type of advantage, and not in any way designed to contain body heat, and/or aid buoyancy.

The official observer will have to approve the "costume and cap". The swimmer must make sure their "costume and cap" are of an approved type before the swim starts as the swim will not be recognised if they are later found not to conform.

According to Marcia Cleveland, a widely recognized Engish Channel authority, this rule is interpreted as the suit can only come down to the knees.

Therefore, the Speedo Kneeskin that goes to the knees is acceptable, but several variations of the Speedo Fastskin (Legskin and Bodyskin, shown above) and the new Speedo LZR Racer, that has caused a sensation among pool swimmers, are not acceptable for recognized English Channel attempts.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association