Running Starting Block 

City college 

Abstract:

  This paper introduces the device that is the starting block of the short distance sprint.  It will contain its background, function, parts, and using instructions. 

Introduction :

In the short distance sprint competition, we always could find that the regular starting block was used at the start of a race. The starting block is a metal device that is the starting gear for a short distance race. “ Starting blocks are a device used in the sport of track and field by sprint athletes to brace their feet against at the start of a race so they do not slip as they stride forwards at the sound of the starter’s pistol. The blocks also enable the sprinters to adopt a more efficient starting posture and isometrically preload their muscles in an enhanced manner. This allows them to start more powerfully and increases their overall sprint speed capability.” (Starting blocks, 2019, line 1) The purpose of using the starting block is the runner could not slip as they stride forwards at the sound of the starter’s pistol. On the most high level international competition, the starting block is mandatory equipment. Using the starting block could enable sprinters to get the most efficient starting posture, effectively avoiding the false start. And enhance the leg muscles of the sprinter at the start of the race of the explosive force, better play the real strength. Since its invention, the start block is an indispensable key device in the sprint race.

Background:

In the first sprint races, the athletes started standing. Australian athlete Sheryl invented the post of squat start and achieved excellent results at the 1st Olympic Games in 1796. Since then, the squat start has become the standard starting position for sprints. Because squat starts become the standard starting in many and many sprint competitions, many runners would dig holes in the dirt track. Because dig holes to help their front foot will move to the hole, step in it creating pressure to get the explosive force at the beginning. but this action was destructive to the track surface with the holes having to be filled for subsequent runners. 

The invention of the starter is credited to Australian Charlie Booth and his father in 1929. And later they provided the initial starting block to George Simpson. Simpson became the first person to run 9.4 seconds for the 100-yard dash in 1930, and his record was the new record in sprint competition at that time. But unfortunately, his record was disallowed because he used starting blocks.  Even though the starting block was not accepted in the Olympics at the time, the initial version of the starter was born as an auxiliary tool and got developed. 

Timber was the first material to be used and adjusted with screws (Figure1.), some tracks permanently placed wooden starting blocks that were built into the starting line. But timber is heaved and easier to rot,  screws are often broken or rusted for years.

Figure1. start off the run with wooden starting block, reprint from “A Brief Walk in the History of Starting Blocks” by Play Track

 In the 1960s, Nick Newton’s innovative design used cast aluminum, and used the lighter weight is made of a metal plate. Newton created his own starting block brand, Newton Best starting block. 

Starting block list of parts and function

The improved starter structure is more complete (figure 2.). It includes parts: the anchor, the base with the rack notch, and the pedal. 

The base of the starting block is the main structural part. The base is a long rectangular metal piece with many rack notch supports the pedal. The Rack notches were used to secure the pedal. And the pedal is the piece where the athlete places the feet, and its angle can be adjusted. There are two anchors at front and back of the base. The anchor is the piece that secures the starting block to the track (figure3.)

“ Notch:  Each of the grooves used to secure the pedals.

Pedal: Piece where the athlete places the feet; its angle can be adjusted.

Base: Piece that supports the pedal.

Anchor: Piece that secures the starting block to the track .”  (Merriam Website, 2020, page 1) 

Figure2. Athlete: starting block from URL:http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/sports-games/track-field/arena/athlete-starting-block  

Figure3. Strange block from URL: http://ontrackandfield.com/newton-starting-blocks-elite-block/

Conclusion: 

Generally, in most races of 400 meters or shorter allow athletes to use starting blocks. Since the 1956 Olympics, most runners in the 800 meters used starting blocks, which means the range of use of starting blocks has expanded, and has been widely used by sports. The use of starting blocks not only extended the life of the field, but also helped athletes to play better. The starting blocks may seem not that much important in the sprint, but they have a large effect on the sprinters. It allows athletes to get closer to their dream of winning the championship and spend their youth on the field.

References:

– (September 2019) Title Starting blocks Wikipedia, references from:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_track 

-(2020)  Merriam Website, references from: http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/sports-games/track-field/arena/athlete-starting-block.php#spike344