Enlarge By Allesandra Tarantino, AP German Paul Biedermann reacts to beating Michael Phelps and breaking his record in the 200-meter freestyle in Rome on Tuesday. ROME  The swimming world, beset by a furor over high-tech suits, turned even more topsy-turvy Tuesday. Michael Phelps lost. NO EXCUSES: Phelps takes the blame for loss PHOTO GALLERY: See the top photos from Rome Germany's Paul Biedermann's victory against Phelps in the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships struck to the heart of the suit controversy: It was unclear, even to Biedermann, whether he won because he was wearing a faster suit or because he was simply faster. NOT SO FAST: FINA approves proposal to ban advanced suits in 2010 TUMBLING: Records falling at alarming rate "I hope there will be a time again when I can beat Michael Phelps without the suit," said Biedermann, who broke Phelps' world record, finishing more than a second ahead of him in 1 minute, 42 seconds. "But I also think it's not all about the suit." The loss was Phelps' first at a major international meet since the 2005 worlds. Phelps said that Biedermann, who has improved his 200 free time by four seconds since the Olympics, is "in a lot better shape than I am." Biedermann wore a new suit made of buoyancy-enhancing, friction-reducing polyurethane. Phelps was in a 2008 suit made by Speedo. "The headlines are always who's wearing what suit," Phelps said. "It's not swimming. I'm looking forward to the day that we're able to call our sport swimming again." Minutes before Phelps and Biedermann stepped on the blocks, FINA announced that its executive body agreed to new restrictions on suit material and style passed by the FINA membership last week. FINA is undecided when the new rules will be in place. Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, said Phelps will not enter another meet until they are. "The sport is in shambles right now. They better do something or they're going to lose their guy who fills these seats," Bowman said. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more