Revolutionary starting blocks are expected to send world swimming records tumbling again in 2009, after an Olympic year when hi-tech suits helped competitors go faster than ever.
The newly designed platforms -- whose forward-leaning wedge shape allows swimmers to propel themselves further into pools -- are to be introduced at next year's World Championships in Rome.
The "adjustable slanted footrest allows swimmers to use a crouch start with the rear-positioned leg at a 90-degree angle at the knee, generating an optimal starting profile,"
"With the rear support, the speed at which one can leave the block will be much more important,"
"If a swimmer has more speed at the beginning, he will go further into the water. So there will be less swimming and more energy available for the entire race."
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