Burning: Suits
Many of the world’s top swimmers are set to attend the inaugural Burning Suit festival in recognition of the end of the synthetic swimsuit era.
The secret event begins on 31st December and marks the culmination of a period of technological advancement that has seen 255 world records fall since February 2008.
From next year strict restrictions on swimming attire are to be imposed by the sport’s governing body FINA – a decision that remains controversial in some quarters.
The event will culminate in a ceremonial burning of newly-banned swimsuits and, as a consequence, those attending have been sworn to secrecy over the location in an effort to avoid undue attention from local authorities, thousands of fans and irate sponsors.
‘What festival?’ furtively asked one double Olympic swimming champion from Britain who asked to remain anonymous.
It is as yet unclear if a similar festival will take place at the same time next year when the rules are changed again.
