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paintballimpact.com / Sports / Starting Block
Starting Block - Track & Field
Track & Field starting block are used in sprint races such as the 100 meters, the 200meters, and the 400 meters. The starting blocks in track & field help the runner explode out of the start line and approach their maximum velocity quicker. The starting blocks help the sprint runner explode off the start line as soon as he or she hears the start signal. To make track and field races more exciting, officials wanted to create races where runners could run to maximum speed right off the start line. To accomplish this goal, originators of these races dug impressions in the ground that runners could step into to push off so as soon as they were given the start signal. Later, the above ground push off point today, the starting blocks, replaced the impressions in the ground. Since 1928, starting blocks have been used in races up to 400 m to give athletes a firm push off, and to preclude a runner from slipping during the start. In highly competitive events such as the World Championship, the starting blocks are equipped to signal false starts in races. Below are some examples of races where track and field starting blocks are used.
The 100 meter. The 100 meter is the shortest track and field event, and attracts the world's fastest runners. While races like the 400 meter involves a spring around the entire track, the 100 meter sprint occurs on a straightaway. The 100 meter is a test of pure speed over a short distance, and has been featured since the first modern Olympics in Athens, Greece. Usually, the winner of the 100 meters in the last Olympics is referred to as the fastest runner in the world. Because of the prestige of the event, some athletes have turned to performance enhancing drugs to gain a competitive edge. After the conclusion of the 100 meters in the 1988 summer Olympics, a drug test showed that Ben Johnson was under the influence of performance enhancing drugs. As a result of his positive test for steroids, he had his gold medal taken away from him.
The 100 meter races is one of the most highly rated events at the Olympics. It is a simple race, most people can watch and understand, where the fastest sprinter is almost always victorious. Some past record holders in the 100 meters for the men have included Asafa Powell breaking a record in April 18th, 2006, Maurice Greene from the United States, Carl Lewis of the United States, and Silvio Leonard of Cuba. To achieve a gold medal or world record, a runner must be strong out of the starting blocks to propel his body explosively forward at the start.
The 200 Meter. The 200 meter race is the second shortest race in track and field, and an event that attracts the quickest runners in the world. While 100 meter runners run the whole race straight out of the starting blocks, 200 meter runners begin the race at the first curve of the track, and end the race at the first straightaway.
Like sprint racers, paintball players must also respond quickly to pressure.
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