Japanese swimsuit manufacturers fight back

Japanese swimwear manufacturers have launched a late fightback to prevent the country's athletes from defecting to British rival Speedo at the Beijing Olympics.

Faced with the threat of Japan's swimmers switching to Speedo's controversial LZR bodysuit, Mizuno, Descente and Asics unveiled hastily designed new hi-tech suits on Friday.

Japanese officials had already paved the way for potential mass breaches of contract by allowing swimmers to test the Speedo suit at an Olympic send-off competition this month.

Speedo used to have a licensing tie-up with Mizuno, one of three swimsuit makers approved by the Japan Swimming Federation, along with Descente and Asics.

But Mizuno developed their own brand last year and ended their association with Speedo, taking with them many top Japanese swimmers, including double Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima.

The late improvements made to their suits by the Japanese manufacturers for the Olympics in August could come far too late given the years of research normally required to produce them.

Mizuno unveiled its new swordfish-inspired design in April in response to Speedo's LZR suit.

World records have tumbled over the last few months, almost all by swimmers wearing the LZR Racer bodysuit, which Speedo says reduces drag, muscle oscillation and skin vibration.