Michael Phelps‘ coach Bob Bowman is one of the most reputed coaches in the swimming world. His status as the coach of a 28x Olympics winner has made Bowman a credible name in the sporting world. Likewise, people take his words and questions seriously, too. Recently, the veteran swimming coach raised a question that has sparked a long-overdue debate.
Bob Bowman questioned the difference in the rules for the elite swimmers and the ones in college. Swimmers use Tech suits in pro competitions as they help in improving the speed in the water by reducing drag. However, college-level competitions do not allow the use of such suits. Pointing out this difference, Bowman asked his followers if the rules should be reconsidered.
Fans react to the question Bob Bowman raised
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Recently, Bob Bowman took to Twitter to bring notice of an issue prevailing in the swimming world. “Pro and elite club swimmers wear tech suits for every race they swim. Why then, is it so frowned upon for college swimmers to wear tech suits in dual meets? Shouldn’t we rethink this? Asking for a friend. 😈,” he tweeted.
This sparked a debate in the comment section. Answering the coach’s question, another user cited the budget as the major issue.
Read More: Has Coach Bob Bowman Found the Successor to Michael Phelps?
He wrote, “It’s ridiculous that the tech suits are ever worn. They are too expensive. I’m masters swimmer an I’m priced out. Why not end underwater swimming. (15 meter rule) it’s not fun to watch underwater dolphin kicking.”
It’s ridiculous that the tech suits are ever worn. They are too expensive. I’m masters swimmer an I’m priced out. Why not end underwater swimming. ( 15 meter rule) it’s not fun to watch underwater dolphin kicking.
— swim49 (@Swim49) December 27, 2022
Most college teams couldn’t afford to. There would be additional costs because tech suits wear out and teams would have to buy many more of them. It’s a line item that’s dangerous for programs/men’s teams especially. I don’t think anyone would truly argue otherwise.
— Jesse Moore (@CoachJesseMoore) December 26, 2022
Take a look at runners/triathletes: they use carbon plated shoes during training and racing to run faster and to teach their bodies how to respond to that speed. As @SirHerb_the3rd was saying, the gear makes the training more specific towards what you want to accomplish. https://t.co/dmvvCkWMhe
— Erin Oliphant (@erin_oli) December 28, 2022
Coach Bob: Turn that frown upside down. Do you mean to say you're worried about a few frowns that stem from dual meets? Gotta have more than 'frowns' behind your tweet / question. Share more. FWIW, budget impacts are worthy reasons. https://t.co/CyXmMc69NK
— Mark Rauterkus (@Rauterkus) December 28, 2022
I’m probably the biggest advocate of this! https://t.co/Lf3OdDB9ev
— TheSwimsuitGuy (@TheSwimsuitGuy) December 27, 2022
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Here for this 💯👏🏼 https://t.co/SuImxkTSB6
— Jessica Hardy Meichtry (@swimhardy) December 27, 2022
Phelps’ coach explained how the teams can deal with budgeting issues. He counter-argued that it is not necessary to buy a new suit every year. Additionally, the teams can put the suits from the previous Championships to use too. He further added that the suits can last longer than what the companies make the consumers believe. Therefore, tech suits can be used in dual meets without affecting the budgets.
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Watch this Story: Tiger Woods’ ‘Massive Scream for Help’ Resonated With Michael Phelps, Who Comforted the Golfer During a Dark Moment in 2017.
While the fans debate about the usage of tech suits in the competition, what is your thoughts on the same matter? Let us know in the comments section below!
