I think we all need to see how FINA rules on these. UNtil then, they are a novelty. After that, they may be the next gotta-have at any new venues.
I guess I don't see how the world will be a better place if we have to replace all the existing blocks with these new blocks. And if only new venues use the new blocks then we have only succeeded in making existing pools that much more obsolete and the times swum in them that much less comparable, not much of a step forward in my opinion.
Improvements in lane lines and gutters decrease the degree to which a swimmer in one lane effects a swimmer in another lane, creating a more level playing field, goggles have a health benefit for swimmers, I don't see any similar benefit to these blocks. It seems to me that the main effect of these blocks will be extra dollars in the hands of blocks manufacturers.
I think we all need to see how FINA rules on these. UNtil then, they are a novelty. After that, they may be the next gotta-have at any new venues.
I guess I don't see how the world will be a better place if we have to replace all the existing blocks with these new blocks. And if only new venues use the new blocks then we have only succeeded in making existing pools that much more obsolete and the times swum in them that much less comparable, not much of a step forward in my opinion.
Improvements in lane lines and gutters decrease the degree to which a swimmer in one lane effects a swimmer in another lane, creating a more level playing field, goggles have a health benefit for swimmers, I don't see any similar benefit to these blocks. It seems to me that the main effect of these blocks will be extra dollars in the hands of blocks manufacturers.
