I am over record upset, says Bernard

Alain Bernard has recovered from having his 100m freestyle world record ruled out because the revolutionary suit he was wearing was not approved for competition.

The Frenchman swam 100m in 46.94 seconds at the French championships in April to become the first swimmer to go under 47 seconds.

But FINA refused to approve the record because the polyurethane Arena X Glide swimsuit he was wearing was not authorised.

"I regret FINA's decision but I'll still be the first person to have swum less than 47 seconds," Bernard said.

"I've taken it on fully, I'm not beaten down by it, there will always be a marker showing Alain Bernard swum less than 47 seconds," he said.

The new polyurethane-covered suits, which aid buoyancy and have contributed to more than 100 world records in the past 18 months, have triggered fierce controversy in the swimming world over whether they will cheapen records.

After months of uncertainty, FINA approved the suits to try to ensure consistency before the World Championships from July 17-August 2.

Bernard repeated his preference for old-style swimming trunks.

"Today, I'm in favour of 100 per cent cloth costumes. They're very comfortable and competitive," he said.

"Whatever happens, I don't want to go to Rome with regrets. I want to go there to do my best time."