Starting block (running)
A starting block is the "starting device" for various running disciplines in athletics .
Originally it was customary on short distances for participants to dig individual starting holes. The Australian Charlie Booth is considered to be the inventor of the starting block . In 1927 the American trainer George Bresnahan applied for a patent for the starting block and in 1937 the IAAF accepted the new start-up aid, which quickly caught on.
Today, starting blocks are mandatory for all runs up to and including 400 meters (including the first sections of relay races); they are not permitted for all other runs.
A starting block consists of a rigid rail to which two forwards and backwards adjustable footrests are attached, against which the runner presses his feet in the starting position. The footrests are inclined to accommodate the runner's starting position; they can be flat or curved inwards. The starting block itself is fixed on the track in such a way that it is completely immobile. The position and position of the two footrests in relation to one another can be adjusted individually by each athlete.
The saying “to be in the starting blocks” means “to be ready to go”.
“Don't get out of the starting blocks” is usually meant figuratively; in fact, you can get stuck with a shoe in a too narrow starting hole and therefore have a delayed start.
swell
- ↑ Time column is true to the history of the starting block
- ↑ a b International Competition Rules (IWR) 2010–2011. (PDF) As of April 15, 2010. In: deutscher-leichtathletik-verband.de. Working group of the regular commissions of DLV , FLA , ÖLV and SLV , accessed on May 20, 2010 .