OMAHA, Nebraska - Behind the battle for Beijing berths at the US Olympic swimming trials another conflict was simmering: The swimsuit wars.

Speedo's sensational new LZR Racer has taken swimming by storm, playing a role in 19 of 20 long-course records set this year.

"For me, wearing the suit and being faster is a total mindset," said Ryan Lochte, who seized the 200m backstroke world record last year and now has his sights set on challenging Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol in that event as well taking on Michael Phelps in the 200m and 400m individual medleys.

"The statistics say it has five percent less drag, and when I put it on I can feel it compress my body a lot more.

"When I wear it, I feel like an action hero."

But the very success of the space-age suit has sparked controversy.

Mark Schubert, national team head coach for USA Swimming is a co-defendant, along with the federation and Speedo, in an antitrust lawsuit filed by rival manufacturer TYR Sport in May.

TYR, which introduced its own Tracer Rise hi-tech suit this year, claims that Schubert improperly recommended that swimmers - some under contract to other manufacturers - wear the LZR.

Proceedings in that case have now been put off until September 15, Schubert said Saturday.

TYR has also sued US swimmer Erik Vendt, saying he broke a binding contract with TYR when he switched to the LZR.

Other organizations have been more flexible.

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