1 May 2009

New blocks at the AIS

| johnboy
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Hanson Media Group has a story on the new swimming blocks at the AIS here in Canberra:

    “Australian swimmers can now adapt to the new technology which will become the status quo for all international swimming events in the future,” Professor Fricker said.

    The most significant development in the new starting block is an adjustable slanted footrest, allowing swimmers to use a crouch start with the rear leg at a 90 degree angle at the knee.

    Power generated from this new position will allow athletes to gain more propulsion through the air.

    The blocks also boast a false start detection system and acoustic start devices so each competitor hears the start signal at the exact same moment.

Anything to keep the world records rolling one supposes.

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hairy nosed wombat said :

Why stop with just speedos, make the swimming events nude (that was you can get no assistance from any clothing).

But this plan has a drawback too. Matt Shervington may start swimming and use it as a winged keel, or train it to kick as a third leg.

backstroke and breaststroke would have totally different meanings…

hairy nosed wombat11:49 am 01 May 09

Why stop with just speedos, make the swimming events nude (that was you can get no assistance from any clothing).

But this plan has a drawback too. Matt Shervington may start swimming and use it as a winged keel, or train it to kick as a third leg.

I thought neck to knee swimsuits would have found your approval Trunking symbols.

Trunking symbols10:48 am 01 May 09

The sooner they get rid of the whiz-bang swimsuits and bring in a regulation forcing *all* swimmers to wear basic Speedos the better the sport will be.

DarkLadyWolfMother10:22 am 01 May 09

Funny, I always thought these were swimming competitions, not leaping ones. I never understood why they didn’t start in the water.

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