Aussie rules are tantamount to sexism, says Therese Alshammar, of Sweden, today after having raced inside world-record pace in a 50m 'fly race in Sydney only to find herself disqualified for wearing two suits.

The world champion has a point: why should men and women be allowed to wear modesty briefs under their suits if women's breasts are not subject to a modesty let-out clause. Which is why FINA will not allow for any let-out clauses: there will be no briefs allowed, for men or women, according to senior sources, as we reported yesterday. Australia will need to spread that word through its ranks if swimmers are to remain within the bounds of best suit practice under the letter and spirit of the Dubai Charter.

"I thought a modesty suit would be a modesty suit," Alshammar told Ten News. "I would almost claim that's a bit sexist saying that the men can cover their private parts up with briefs and women can only also wear briefs. I would totally even though I'm Swedish, understand that a modesty suit would be to cover your modest parts. I guess you can't even wear a modesty suit any more."

There are allowances in the Australian rules - which will have to be amended if they are to fall in line with FINA rules and guidelines (the one-suit rule means just that - no additions of any kind) made for the wearing of modesty briefs.