Comment on First Fast Facts: The Track Start

This is an open letter to Bill Volckening (USMS Swimmer Editor): The following are excerpts from the March/April 2009 issue (Five Fast Facts: The Track Start, p. 12): "I first tried it in 1982 at a meet in Europe, after observing a track meet where the athletes use that start," says Gaines. "...Dara and I were the first swimmers, elite or otherwise, ever to do the start." "I am very proud of the fact that Dara and I were the first ones to use it." Umm... I think I speak for most who grew up doing summer league swimming that track starts were done by thousands of 8&unders (through 15-18 year old) swimmers throughout the country during the 1970s (perhaps earlier?). Bill, I'm guessing this includes you, too. I first did summer league in 1977 and almost everybody did track starts. I'm sure what Rowdy means is he and Dara were the first to use track starts off blocks at major meets, but as soon as he says "elite or otherwise" and then later says he is proud of being the first (in 1982) I have to disagree with his statements. Or perhaps he was misquoted. Jeff