Olympic Newsdesk - U.S., Australia Disappointed with Swimsuit Ruling; Caribbean Games Cancellation

The U.S. and Australia are disappointed in FINA’s approval of modified hi-tech swimsuits (Getty Images)U.S., Australia Unhappy with Swimsuit Decision

The United States and Australia are disappointed with FINA’s approval of modified hi-tech swimsuits that were originally rejected for competition.

The swimming governing body said on Monday that it had approved more than 100 models of swimsuits for the world championships in Rome in July, with modifications being made to the suits by the manufacturers to avoid the air trapping effects to boost speed and buoyancy.

Nevertheless, USA Swimming president Jim Wood said his organization will comply with the FINA ruling.

“We are highly disappointed by the FINA ruling released Monday, but in order to keep USA Swimming’s rules in compliance with those of the international governing body, we will immediately adopt the revised list of approved swimsuits,” Wood is quoted as saying.

“Moving forward, we encourage FINA to carefully examine this matter in order to ensure the best possible future for our sport.”

Australian national coach Alan Thompson said FINA took a step backward in the swimsuit issue with its decision.

“It’s disappointing, because I felt we had made considerable progress on this issue when we first met in May and we were looking to move forward and get back to talking about athletes and not equipment,” Thompson said.

TTOC Apologizes for Cancelling Caribbean Games

Trinidad and Tobago NOC president Larry Romany apologized for the cancellation of the Caribbean Games (TTOC)Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Larry Romany apologized to the Caribbean NOCs and Commonwealth Games Associations for cancelling the inaugural Caribbean Games, which was a victim of the swine flu pandemic.

The Games, which were scheduled to be held July 12-19, were cancelled by sports minister Gary Hunt on Friday after traces of the swine flu virus were found near three venues.

According to local media, Romany personally contacted the sports agencies and “expressed his deep sense of regret and sadness” for withdrawing from hosting the event.

"I am sorry for all inconveniences resulting from the decision taken but please be assured that the T&T Olympic movement remain resolute in our support of Caribbean Games and what it represents. It is a painful scenario but one that I believe had to be made in the best interest of the well-being of every single athlete, coach, official,volunteer and supporter," Romany was quoted as saying.

"It would have demonstrated our abilities as a people and a region, to successfully put on a multi-sport event."

Briefs…

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is expected to be named the coach of Team Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver (Getty Images)…The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) has named Nieva Tesoro-Embuldeniya as the vice-chairman of its women’s commission. Tesoro-Embuldeniya will play a key role in boxing’s campaign to include the women’s version of the sport in the Olympics.

…Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is expected to be named the coach of Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey team for the 2010 Vancouver Games on Thursday. The 46-year old Babcock has a career coaching record of 282-139-71 in the NHL.

…The city council of Glasgow, Scotland has awarded the City Legacy consortium the contract to build the $403 million athletes village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The City Legacy consortium will build accommodations for 6,500 athletes and officials, with the buildings to be converted to 1,400 homes for sale and rent after the Games.

Written by Greg Oshust and Ed Hula III