Records tipped to tumble in 2009, thanks to new starting blocks

clipped from www.physorg.com 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."