Swimsuit Controversy

From LoveToKnow Swimsuits

Swimsuit controversy is everywhere, whether it involves showing too much or when it boils down to swimsuit designs in the Olympics.

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The Basics of the Olympic Controversy

There was a lot of swimsuit controversy brewing around the pools at the 2008 Olympics. It hit a multitude of countries, and in some cases, hit as early as the trials (as it did with the United States).

It wasn't how much skin was shown in the swimsuits, as one may be prompted to think when they hear the words, "swimsuit controversy". It was more focused on the design this time around, both in appearance and technology.

Design: It was meant to be simple and accessory-free, but an embellishment sent Spain's synchronized swimmers away from the competition

Technology: This is two-fold. Should a suit that claims to aid swimmers' performance be allowed? And what happens when a contract is breached when a swimmer can't perform well in one suit and opts for another company's design?

Countries Involved with the Swimsuit Controversy

There was quite a bit of controversy, and it wasn't limited to just one country. Here's the lowdown on the swimsuit controversy in the 2008 Beijing Olympics:

United States

Swimsuit controversy swirling around the United States (this specific case occurred in Omaha) was related to brand names and technology. TYR and Speedo released swimsuits that were supposed to increase the efficiency of a swimmer's efforts in the water. The question was, were the people who wore the swimsuits effectively cheating, since their efforts were boosted by the design?

In addition to that, there was a lawsuit between swimmer Erik Vendt and TYR that stated that Vendt broke his contract with TYR when he wore a suit by another company (Speedo's LZR Razor, a swimsuit that may have contributed to nine world records). You can read more about the aftermath of the initial lawsuit on MSNBC's July 10, 2008 article entitled, "Olympics swimsuit controversy back in court".

Spain

Spain's synchronized swimming team was banned due to waterproof lights reminiscent of a Christmas tree sewn into each suit. According to an article by Jack Ryan on the Post Chronicle from August 19, 2008, the swimsuits had to have sequins but could not have "accessories". Although the lights were sewn in and a part of the suit, it did not seem to matter. The defense was that synchronized swimming was a very conservative sport and didn't need the "extras".

Who Can Show Skin

There are two cases revolving around swimsuit controversy that are very different. In one, a swimsuit-clad teacher made an appearance on the Howard Stern Show. Marie Jarry's controversy began when she appeared in a bikini. Since she was a second grade school teacher, some viewers and community members were appalled. She was forced to resign due to her "bad" conduct after hours. She was competing in an "Ugliest Dude, Hottest Wife" contest. There have been other, similar cases throughout the years.

In another, Cindy Crawford's four-year-old daughter was involved in a photo shoot where some referred to the shots as "topless". Crawford maintains that the shots were not inappropriate and were just taken while a few friends' daughters played together in swimsuits another friend designed. Crawford's daughter was a model for one the new swimsuit line. Apparently, some people were not pleased with a shot of her looking back over her shoulder in a pair of swim trunks. Cindy Crawford was infuriated and claimed that the whole shoot was the picture of innocence. Read more about it at Fashion Model Directory.

A Final Word

With swimsuit controversy comes a slew of opinions. Does a small light that has been sewn into a swimsuit's fabric count as an accessory, or is it part of the suit? Should a team be disqualified because of something like that? Was Vendt completely wrong for switching to the swimsuit he liked better, the suit in which he felt he performed best? As for that suit, should it be allowed since it's had such an effect on those who have worn it and competed while wearing it? Does the technology behind the swimsuit itself deem it suitable for being thrown out of the competition?

Who decides how much skin is too much for any individual to show? Should a teacher, because of her career in education, hang her head in shame because she modeled swimsuits? And are pictures of a four-year-old having fun with her friends in a swimsuit completely inappropriate, even if she's modeling the suit?

Clearly, swimsuit controversy is widespread, from backyard innocence to the Olympic games.

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