08-28-2003, 07:15 PM
*Opens mouth and attempts to insert foot (due to my lack of knowledge with the incident and rules)
Tantrums like the one described reflect badly on athletes, the sport, and the nations involved. A certain amount of joy/anguish will always be a part of sporting events but extreme displays (jumping into the steeplechase pit) are inapropriate.
I have enjoyed drag racing (at the RACETRACK ONLY!) for several years and false starts (or red lighting) is measured by timing beams placed at the starting line. Two beams are used, spaced slightly apart. The first beam is to ensure the vehicle is "staged" up to the line and the second for "at the line." If the vehicle leaves the second beam even .001 second early that run is disqualified. I guess I just dont see the logic in checking the amount of force placed on the blocks behind the competitor when crossing the starting line seems more important to me.
Tantrums like the one described reflect badly on athletes, the sport, and the nations involved. A certain amount of joy/anguish will always be a part of sporting events but extreme displays (jumping into the steeplechase pit) are inapropriate.
I have enjoyed drag racing (at the RACETRACK ONLY!) for several years and false starts (or red lighting) is measured by timing beams placed at the starting line. Two beams are used, spaced slightly apart. The first beam is to ensure the vehicle is "staged" up to the line and the second for "at the line." If the vehicle leaves the second beam even .001 second early that run is disqualified. I guess I just dont see the logic in checking the amount of force placed on the blocks behind the competitor when crossing the starting line seems more important to me.
The Bill of No Rights
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein
The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Robert A. Heinlein