Starting blocks

A starting block is the " starter " for various running events in athletics.

Originally, it was common for short distances, that the participants individual start digging holes. As the inventor of the starting block applies the Australian Charlie Booth. In 1927 the the American coach George Bresnahan at the starting block for a patent and in 1937 accepted the IAAF, the new jump start, which quickly asserted itself in a row.

Today, starting blocks mandatory for all races up to and including 400 meters ( including first stretches for relay races ), with all other races they are not allowed.

A starting block consists of a rigid rail can be attached to the two forward and backward adjustable foot rests, against the runner in the starting position is expressed in feet. The footrests are inclined to match the starting position of the rotor; they may be flat or slightly curved inward. The starting block itself is so fixated on the train that he is completely immobile. The position and attitude of each of the two footrests can be adjusted individually by each athlete.

The phrase " sitting in the wings " means " be ready ".

" Do not come out of the blocks " is usually meant figuratively; actually you can get stuck with a shoe in too narrow a starting hole and therefore have a delayed start.

Swell

• Athletics