So those controversial swimsuits have finally been given the all-clear for the Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) this week effectively backed world swimming body FINA's earlier decision to allow swimmers to use the bodysuits - despite widespread claims that they may aid a swimmer's speed, buoyancy and endurance during competition.

Speedo, who developed the revolutionary material that is similar to shark skin, claim that it can shave three per cent off race times. Mightn't sound like much, but 31 of the 32 swimming finals at the last Olympics involved less than three per cent difference in finishing times between first and sixth position.

And the swimsuit is just one of many recent designs to cause controversy. Cycling's 4,000metre world champion Graham Obree had developed a new "prone position" bike but that has been banned by the world cycling federation. And certain golf clubs recently developed are contravening the US Golf Association's "spring-like effect" test.

Of course, not all these sporting innovations have actually proven beneficial. There was an Australian sprinter a while back who developed what he thought was the ultimate aerodynamic assistance: a huge cone that fitted over his head. Only problem was, he couldn't see where he was going and would consistently swerve into other runners.