What physics can tell us about London's new starting blocks Written by Rose Eveleth, Contributing Editor Aug. 1, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. PT Today's Olympic swimmers are really, really fast.

They start on a block called, appropriately enough, a starting block. London will see the Olympic debut of a track-style starting block with an inclined surface and a lip at the back.

Starting blocks appeared in modern games thanks to an innovation that was made simultaneously on opposite sides of the world. Whereas Ancient Greek runners are depicted with one arm forward, using ...

The block has five different settings for the track-start ledge, and the backstroke wedge is designed to fit into this block. However, the design could be getting an update soon.

Morris Cove management team participants Rika Visser, Mullally (center), former Alder Arlene DePino. When queried about how neighbors might get police guidance in starting block watches, police ...