Sources in Bangkok have told SwimNews that the FINA Bureau, meeting in Thailand this week, has decided to leave world records standing as they are - for the time being. 

A coaches commission recommendation suggesting two sets of records was considered but coaches themselves wish to modify their recommendation and are likely to resubmit a proposal for change later in the year.

SwimNews understands that the decision not to take any action is accompanied with a "pending further inquiry" note: as the 2010 season pans out, the issue will return to the FINA top table for consideration.

In february 2008, FINA allowed the use of the first generation of race suits made of non-textile fabrics, such as polyurethane. The suits had a truly significant impact on speed of swimmers, while suits provided different benefits to different swimmers depending on morphology and physiology, thereby skewing results. In July 2009, the ruling FINA Congress voted overwhelmingly to ban bodysuits and the use of non-textile fabrics. 

From January 1, 2010, suits must confirm to a FINA definition of "textile", while profiles are waist to above knee, maximum, for men and shoulder straps (no zippers or fasteners) to a cut above the knee for women.

As such, swimmers of the world will now know that the global standard they must reach on the clock in wholly different race conditions to those prevailing in 2008-09 includes the likes of a sub 21sec 50m freestyle and a 1:42.00 200m free for men, and a 2:06 200m medley for women. They will also know, however, that the race itself, while a touch slower in the clock, will be fairer to all, and the sport will be all the better for it. Gone too will be the 45-minute pre-race squeeze sessions that were so loathed by so many swimmers around the world.

Some at the top table of FINA are understood to hold the belief that "most" world records will fall "within a year or two". Needless to say, I am among those who beg to differ. Time will tell.