Omega to Offer New Starting Block; Controversy on Attempt to Push into Beijing Games

BEIJING, China, February 5. NICOLE Jeffery of The Australian has reported that Omega is attempting to deliver a new track-start block for the 2008 Beijing Games. This new push has stirred up some conversation in international swimming circles.

The block, which Omega claims could "improve times by up to one-tenth of a second," includes "an adjustable piece at the back that can be moved into five different positions to suit individual swimmers."

According to reporting by Jeffery, Omega set up one of these blocks at the Good Luck Beijing China Open test event to allow competitors to test out the new technology.

The rub about trying to implement the new block comes from the fact that Omega will only be offering two blocks to each swimming nation prior to the Games so that each nation can practice on the blocks.

"Everyone thinks the blocks are a great idea, but we won't have any time to practice on them before the Olympics," Australian head coach Alan Thompson told The Australian. "If we're not ready to do it properly before the Olympics, let's not rush it. I think the blocks have to be more widely available first. We need to practice and race with them. While they are not readily available, it puts some people at a disadvantage."

Additionally, according to Jeffery, Omega is working on creating a TIVO-like replay system at the starting blocks instead of the old-school VCR system previously available.

Full text of The Australian article.

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