First American reactions were predictable; "Gross. You can see everything", declared one horrified manufacturer and the girls refused to wear anything so provocative. The swiss team, had tried to meet the problem by glueing neck, leg and arm openings but the painful removal process forced them to consider skinsuits.
And so in the early seventies new names began to appear on the manufacturers' lists, in particular Speedo and Arena. Arena was formed in 1973 and appeared for the first time at the French swimming championships at Viteel.
Within twelve months the British, Russian, Brazilian bikini, Spanish and American teams were all wearing monokini skinsuits and tankini and for the Montreal Olympics Arena was claiming 37 medal winners clad in their garments.
But the micro bikini skinsuits may not prove to be the end of the story, for prior to the 1976 Games the trend-setting East Germany team had petitioned the Olympic Committee for the permission to swim naked in competitive events
That time they were vetoed but the subject is now being hotly debated in pro-swim circles, for whilst heavy-breasted girls do need the streamlining of skinsuits since their bare breasts can create as much water drag as the air bubbles trapped inside their suits, all authorities agree that their flat-chested sisters can make better time naked.
Although it might shock the world, few coaches will be surprised if the veto is relaxed for the Moscow Olympics in 1980 and competitors given the option.
On the right the rage which is currently sweeping the West Coast of America, swimsuits leotard by Danskin. Very popular with all the California girls since it has become a multi-purpose garment not only for swimming but with a skirt, jeans or as a dancing exercise outfit and snip at $12 retail.
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