U.S. hopefuls dressed for success and record assault

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Swimmers experimented with hi-tech suits on the first day of the U.S. National championships on Tuesday, setting the stage for another assault on the world record book.

The times should be lightning quick at the Natatorium, a venue in which 11 world records have been broken, as swimmers bid to qualify for this month's world championships in Rome.

The first event offered a hint of what may lie ahead when Christine Magnuson flew off blocks in the 100 meters butterfly preliminary heats, made the turn in under world record time and cruised home in 57.39 seconds.

Silver medalist in the 100m fly at the Beijing Olympics, Magnuson believes Inge de Bruijn's world mark of 56.61 could be under threat.

"You might see some records fall in butterfly, I think I can be faster," Magnuson told reporters. "I am a free agent so I can swim in anything I want.

"Usually you don't want to be in that position but I've had a chance to try a lot of different companies.

"I really like the Arena X-Glide right now, particularly for the butterfly."

Behind the Natatorium in a non-descript white tent, nearly a dozen swimsuit manufacturers have set up shop to make their controversial products available to all 800 swimmers taking part in the U.S. championships.

In an attempt to create a level playing field, USA Swimming has ruled any suits being used at the Nationals must be on FINA's approved list and made available to all swimmers, from popular brands like Speedo and Arena to relative unknowns such as Rocket Science and Blueseventy.

REVOLVING DOOR

The swimsuit frenzy has caused a revolving door in the changing room as swimmers look for the edge that could earn them a top-two finish and a ticket to Rome.

Eric Shanteau, diagnosed with testicular cancer before competing in Beijing, was preparing to test several suits, including one he wore for the first time in the 100m breaststroke heats.

Swimming in an Arena X-Glide, Shanteau posted the fastest time of 59.89 and became just the second American to dip under one minute.

Shanteau said he planned to try a Jaked suit in the 200m breaststroke later in the week.

"As long as we are on a level playing field that's all I care about," said Shanteau. "USA Swimming has done a good job of trying to make that as equal as possible at this meet.

"I'm swimming in these suits for the first time at a big meet, so I'm kind of taking a chance."

One swimmer who has no intention of swapping suits is Michael Phelps, who is paid millions to race in Speedo.

But while the Speedo LZR was the cutting edge just a year ago in Beijing when Phelps grabbed a record eight gold medals, he may have a disadvantage in Indianapolis because several manufacturers claim to have developed faster products.

"A handicap swimming in a LZR?," Phelps said. "To all the suit questions you have, I'm here to swim. I've worn Speedo my whole life and that's what I'm wearing this weekend."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)