FINA changes rules after Athens dispute

Swimming's world governing body FINA has changed one of its most contentious rules after the controversy triggered by Kosuke Kitajima's victories at last year's Athens Olympics.

The Japanese student won gold medals in the 100 metres and 200 metres breaststroke in the Greek capital despite complaints from American backstroker Aaron Peirsol that he had performed an illegal, though fairly common, dolphin kick on one of his turns.

However, FINA announced on Friday it had decided to end the long row over dolphin kicks by changing the rule, allowing swimmers to legally make one underwater kick after each turn.

The controversy over dolphin kicks has been around since the finger was first pointed at competitors at the 1978 world championships in Berlin, but US head coach Dave Salo said he did not agree with FINA's decision to change the rule just because of the recent drama.

"It's not a rule I'm in favour of," he told a news conference.

"Any time the rules change there's always going to be coaches who will try to find ways to get around it. "It's always open to interpretation ... so hopefully we'll get officials well trained in observing a second dolphin kick."

FINA also announced two technical changes in backstroke, allowing competitors to start races with their feet above the water line as well as being allowed to submerge on their glide into the wall.

Peirsol, a close friend of American breaststroker Brendan Hansen, was initially disqualified for an illegal turn in Athens after winning the 200 metres backstroke, but was reinstated on appeal.

The new rules will not be introduced for two months, meaning the old ones will still apply at next week's world championships.

Wheeeee! I leave for Montreal in 30 minutes but will be keeping the website updated while away and uploading photos as I can. 100 Breast Prelims tomorrow morning and the Final on Monday. Y'all be sure to follow the results live on the Omega website.