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Coach threatens to pull Phelps from meets

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-29 03:42

ROME: Michael Phelps' coach has announced he could withhold the swimmer from international meets until FINA bans high-tech bodysuits.

Swimming's governing body FINA upheld a decision Tuesday to outlaw the suits next year, although the ban now might not come into effect until April or May - three or four months later than expected.

When told of the possible delay, Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, said FINA better "do something or they're going to lose their guy who fills these seats."

Bowman spoke immediately after Phelps was upset by unheralded Paul Biedermann of Germany in the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships. Biedermann wore a 100 percent polyurethane Arena suit, while Phelps stuck with last year's LZR Racer from Speedo.