New starting blocks to send swimming records tumbling

REVOLUTIONARY starting blocks are expected to send world swimming records tumbling again in 2009, after an Olympic year when hi-tech suits helped competitors go faster than ever.

The newly-designed platforms — whose forward-leaning wedge shape allows swimmers to propel themselves further into pools — are to be introduced at next year’s World Championships in Rome.

Developed by Omega, the Swiss watchmaker responsible for time-keeping at world competitions, the innovation won the backing earlier this year of FINA, global swimming’s governing body.