Hoping to avoid any distractions caused by high-tech suits, the British team barred media from asking its swimmers about the issue after arriving for the world championships.
Michael Scott, the national performance director, said on Friday that the focus should be on the swimmers' accomplishments during the eight days of competition. He was the only one taking questions about suits, and only after a news conference including a half-dozen swimmers.
"They've talked about the suits ad nauseam," Scott said. "Now were are here in Rome. It's about time we focused on why we're here, and that's the athletes."
When pressed on the issue, he responded, "We're here to talk about the performance of the athletes. Those are the things we can control, OK? Next question."
British star Rebecca Adlington, who won two golds medals in Beijing, is among those who faced a tough decision over which suit to wear at the world championships.
She stuck with her sponsoring company, Speedo, instead of switching to a polyurethane suit made by Jaked or Arena, generally thought to be the fastest things on water.
"Rebecca is entirely comfortable in the Speedo," Scott said. "It's her choice and she's very confident. Rebecca feels totally comfortable and relaxed."
Scott praised FINA for its decision Friday to ban bodysuits and require that all attire be made out of textiles, instead of material that is thought to improve buoyancy.
"I'm totally delighted," he said. "If we return to textiles, then the sport will regain its credibility with a lot of people. It is the only way to go.
"Today is the day we start to move forward in the sport again."
The British team is hoping for a strong showing in Rome, but considers it only a step toward its main goal: the London Olympics in 2012. That said, Scott believes it's far too early to talk about taking down the Australians for the No. 2 spot on the world swimming stage behind the Americans.
Britain won six medals at last year's Olympics, two of each color. Australia won 20 medals — six golds, six silvers and eight bronzes.
"We have long way to go before we can challenge the Australians," Scott said.
Adlington will certainly face more expectations after her brilliant performance in Beijing, where she won both the 400- and 800-meter freestyle.
"People look at you because of who you are and what you did the last time," she said. "It's just something you've got to deal with. People are going to be watching you. Hopefully, I can deal with it."
Copyright 2009 AP News
