Doing so actually would be one of the easier tasks Soni has had to face in her life.

While in college at USC, Soni underwent minor heart surgery in 2006. Yet two years later, the New Jersey-native went on to become an Olympic champion. What could have threatened most athletic careers proved to be a mere bump in the road for Soni as she is now one of the world's fastest swimmers.

Soni nearly eclipsed her 200 breastroke world record of 2:20.22 on the last day of the U.S. National Championships, held earlier this month in Indianapolis. She was on a world-record pace through the first 150 meters.

"I was starting to conserve there a little bit," Soni said. "It was still up there, definitely 95 percent (effort). I definitely want to go faster at worlds. "I wasn't really setting a time goal for this summer," she said. "I just wanted to make it to (the world championships) and then swim my best, whatever that is."

After winning the U.S. Championships in 2:20.38, those plans have been changed.

"Now seeing what I've done, I'd love to go under that 2:20 mark," Soni said.

Soni's mark at the national championships also gave her the best time this year in the world, eclipsing Annamay Pierse's mark of 2:20.71, set during the Canadian World Championship trials.

"It was definitely on my mind," Soni said of Pierse's time. "It's going to be a fun race in Rome. I'm really looking forward to it."

The 2009 FINA World Championships will be held today through Aug. 1. Soni will get a chance to break her own 200-meter breaststroke world record Thursday.

Breaking world records is almost commonplace in swimming these days, but it might not stay that way much longer.

Last year, 108 world records were set. FINA has since decided to regulate swimsuits this year, approving some, but leaving many suits not permissible. On Friday, FINA officials proposed that polyurethane-based swimsuits would be banned from competition beginning in 2010. Published reports said officials will vote Tuesday on that proposal.

But the suits will be permitted this week, so be prepared for a lot of high-flying times. And plenty of controversy and discussion.

The world championships this week might resemble the Oscars, and just as Hollywood stars are asked whether they are wearing Valentino or Vera Wang as they stroll down the red carpet, these swimmers undoubtedly will be asked about their Speedo or Jaked designs shortly after they step off the medal podium.

Soni, for the record, wore an Arena suit at nationals. Her coach, Dave Salo, expressed displeasure with the swimsuit situation when he told the New York Times on Friday:  "I think when FINA didn't define the rules, it opened this quagmire for all the swimsuit companies because they looked around and said, 'Oh, there are no rules.' "

He added:  "The thing that's really hurt more than anything else is the whole suit situation has devalued athleticism. A lot of kids who aren't in very good shape can put on one of these suits and be streamlined like seals."

Coaches and swimmers are all trying to cope.

"It's just so hard for swimmers to adjust to new suits meet by meet, month by month," said 2008 U.S. Olympian Matt Grevers. "I just think FINA needs to get it together."

Grevers showed his displeasure with the problem during the U.S. Championships by showing up to a mix zone session with reporters carrying the TYR suit he wanted to wear, but which was not yet approved.

"TYR has a suit exactly like the Jaked-all of the same rules, but somehow it didn't get approved," Grevers said. "It just doesn't make sense. Hopefully they can figure it all out so everyone is on an even playing field."

Grevers ended up settling on the TYR Sayonara during the national championships. Deciphering through which suit was the best proved to be somewhat of a mental distraction, Grevers said.

"I think it definitely was," Grevers said. "If you see this one specific suit scoring all best times, and you're not wearing that one at the moment, you get a little self-conscious without the power of this almighty suit."

Cullen Jones, who set an American record in the 50 free at the national championships, tries to avoid the suit controversy.

"I really try not to put too much faith in the suit," said the 2008 Olympian. "I put faith in the fact I've trained, done a lot of work, and faith in my coach. It's been paying off."

David Walters wore a Jaked swimsuit when he finished second to Michael Phelps in the 200 free at the national championships. It was the color choice where Walters looked to gain an advantage.

"It's made in Italy and I wanted to get it in Ferrari red," Walters said. "Objects that are red look faster than they're actually going, so anyone that saw me swimming in it thought I was going faster than I really was."

As the world championships begin, an immediate solution for the swimsuit controversy does not appear imminent.

"I think a solution would be to roll back," Grevers said. "It's obviously going to mess with world records and people being able to get them in the near future, but I think it would be easier on the athletes to not have to worry if it's the suit performing or the athlete performing.

"I'm not saying old-school briefs, but no neoprene or polyurethane."

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc. Brian Peloza is a freelance contributor for teamusa.org. This story was not subject to the approval of the United States Olympic Committee or any National Governing Bodies.