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.
These blocks are no different than any other equipment advance in swimming. For example, non-turbulent lane lines, deep pools with good gutter systems, goggles, technical suits. I think they're fine as long as they don't violate the current rules. If the 10% max slope is violated then they shouldn't be allowed, end of story. It certainly seems like these would violate that, but perhaps not.
edit: looking at the photo of the Beijing blocks from the Race Club thread I think there is absolutely no question these blocks violate the rules. That foothold at the back is way more than 10°.
These blocks are no different than any other equipment advance in swimming...
I'm sure the first time the angeled track starting blocks were introduced, all the track athletes were also concerned it violated the time-proven starts from a flat foot, or toes without the blocks.
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.
If the committee changes the rule to allow it, it ain't cheatin'. Looks like the RaceClub folks are being proactive and just preparing for the change. When did the blocks become so long, from front to back? My guess would be when teams started to do step in relay starts. Longer block, better motion for relays, faster times. Committee allowed it. I'm guessing though. I do not see this as being any different than any other changes that have come about in this sport over the last 100 years. Why the changes? Because people want faster times. Plain and simple, we want faster times. If you can get more of your motion and energy in the horizontal faster from the blocks, you'll have faster times. I see the track block as being able to transfer energy faster in the horizontal and towards the other end of the pool. Shortest distance between two points is a straight line. I say, BRAVO, to the coaches who thought this up. They are the ones bending the envelope. Hooray!!! Faster times.
Invented by coaches driven by some grand quest for faster times? Riiight.
I think you're dreaming. This is driven by the dollar, period.
However, doesn't that do a disservice to those who came before? For example, omega claims these blocks shave 1/10 of a second off someones time. If a swimmer beats a world record by .05 seconds, are they really better than the previous person who held the record?
I do not see this as being any different than any other changes that have come about in this sport over the last 100 years. Why the changes? Because people want faster times. Plain and simple, we want faster times.
I think that you're right that people want faster times, it's exciting to see someone break a world record. But if the faster times are achieved by something as non-swimmer related as a faster block how is that exciting? I guess the average viewer might not know about the blocks and be fooled into being excited. Most of the changes I can think of have been about a more level playing field or difficulties in officiating, technical suits are the most obvious exception. At what point do we legalize fins in the name of faster times?
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.
