Athletes ‘lose out’ over long pause at start

Athletes who are given too long to “get ready” at the start of a race could be unfairly disadvantaged, research suggests.

The length of the pause before the starting gun varies from one event to another and can affect the mindset of participants, say scientists.

Lingering too long on “ready” allows enough time for adrenalin-driven arousal to dissipate, so athletes are less quick off the mark.