I don't like it. But I suppose some felt the same when they first introduced sloping blocks in the first place. And non-turbulent lane lines. And goggles, as well as other innovations most of us take for granted.
One of pool swimming's great strengths is that the time is viewed as a pretty absolute measure of performance -- this is different than, say, a triathlon or ocean swim that is very dependent on conditions. But we all know that some pools are slightly faster than others due to a variety of factors, such as depth, gutters...and starting blocks.
This just adds another variable, at least until all blocks are (close to) the same.
I don't like it. But I suppose some felt the same when they first introduced sloping blocks in the first place. And non-turbulent lane lines. And goggles, as well as other innovations most of us take for granted.
One of pool swimming's great strengths is that the time is viewed as a pretty absolute measure of performance -- this is different than, say, a triathlon or ocean swim that is very dependent on conditions. But we all know that some pools are slightly faster than others due to a variety of factors, such as depth, gutters...and starting blocks.
This just adds another variable, at least until all blocks are (close to) the same.
