This is an example of the starting blocks that were used at athletic events during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Under the regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAFF), the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG) was required to provide all starting blocks for track events. In addition, the IAFF had to approve the blocks' brand and design. Though this example does not feature a manufacturer's name or label, it was undoubtedly made by one of the twenty-one companies that was accredited by the IAFF to manufacture starting blocks for official competition.

Featuring two foot plates and a rigid spine, this example is designed to be fixed to the athletic track while allowing athletes to adjust the plates to suit their starting position. Rule 161 of the IAFF handbook lists the rules regulating the design and use of starting blocks, stating that the blocks must be used for all races up to and including the 400-metre events. In addition, they must be rigid, fixed to the track and linked to a false start apparatus, and must be supplied by the appropriate organising committee - in this case SOCOG. The starting block therefore signifies the need to regulate sporting equipment to ensure that it does not unduly assist athletes in official competition.

This starting block would have been used at Stadium Australia from 23 September to 29 September 2000, in either men's or women's track events. These were the most popular events during the ten days of athletic competition.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAFF) must approve the design of all starting blocks used in official competition. Rule 161 of the IAFF handbook lists the rules that regulate this design. In summary, the starting blocks must feature two foot plates and a rigid spine, and must be fixed to the track and linked to a false start apparatus.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAFF) approves the style and brand of starting blocks that are used in official competition. Though this example does not feature a manufacturer's name or label, it was undoubtedly made by one of the twenty-one companies that was accredited to manufacture starting blocks for official competition.

This starting block was used in 2000.

The starting blocks could have been used at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in all athletics races up to and including the 400- metre events. These events were held at Stadium Australia from 23 September to 29 September 2000.

This starting block was used in 2000. This starting block was made for and owned by the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. It was presented to the Powerhouse Museum by the Olympic Coordination Authority on behalf of the Government of NSW.

Athletics starting block, metal, design approved by the International Association of Athletics Federations, Olympic Games, Sydney, 2000

Athletics starting block, with two metal foot blocks and one metal measuring gauge that holds the foot blocks in place. The 21 notches in the surface of the measuring gauge allow the distance between each foot block to be adjusted. The gradient of each foot block can also be adjusted using a metal pin that fits and into a notch cut into the back of the footrest. There are 4 notches / settings. The surface of each foot block is covered with rubber to assist grip.

Athletics starting block, with two metal foot blocks and one metal measuring gauge that holds the foot blocks in place. The 21 notches in the surface of the measuring gauge allow the distance between each foot block to be adjusted. The gradient of each foot block can also be adjusted using a metal pin that fits and into a notch cut into the back of the footrest. There are 4 notches / settings. The surface of each foot block is covered with rubber to assist grip.

Made: 2000


Used: Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games; Sydney; 2000

2001/84/318

2000