A Glimpse Into the Past: The Fascinating History of the Backstroke Start and Backstroke Wedge
When it comes to swimming, the backstroke start stands out as the most distinctive start. But have you ever wondered how it evolved into what we see today?
A Brief History of Backstroke
Backstroke, being the second stroke to be contested at the Olympics, is often referred to as the opposite of freestyle. It made its debut at the 1900 Olympic Games, where only the 200-meter race was offered to male swimmers. The following Olympics saw the removal of the 200 backstroke as an event, but it was eventually reinstated in 1964. In 1908, the 100 backstroke was introduced as an event. It was not until the 1968 Games that both the 100 and 200 backstroke events were held.
It wasn’t until 1924 that women were able to compete in the 100 backstroke at the Olympics. The 200 backstroke event became available for women in 1968.
Over the course of several decades, backstroke went through various rule changes, including the introduction of the backstroke flip turn and the 15-meter underwater rule. These changes have shaped backstroke into the stroke we are familiar with today.
The Backstroke Start
Unlike other starts in swimming, the backstroke start requires the swimmer to begin the race while already in the water. In the early stages of backstroke, it was common for swimmers to stand on the gutter, grip the top of the block, and dive backwards. In the early 20th century, swimmers could also hold onto the lip of the pool and push off to gain momentum. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that backstroke bars were implemented in competition. Notably, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the starting blocks had three hand grips specifically designed for backstroke starts.
Throughout the years, World Aquatics (previously known as FINA) has introduced rules governing the backstroke start, such as banning swimmers from standing on or bending their toes over the gutter.
The Backstroke Wedge
One issue that has plagued backstroke starts is slipping feet since World Aquatics imposed a rule prohibiting swimmers from curling their toes over the edge of the pool or touchpad. An example of this problem occurred during Elizabeth Beisel’s 200 backstroke at the 2014 U.S. National Championships. Beisel, who entered the finals as the top seed, experienced her feet slipping on the start, costing her the entire race. She ended up finishing sixth overall, leaving her spot on the Pan Pacific Championships team uncertain (although she later qualified in the 400 IM).
A solution for this problem was proposed in the past decade. In 2013, World Aquatics approved the concept of the backstroke “wedge.” The rules specify the dimensions and design of these wedges to ensure that all swimmers have a consistent and safe starting position. The purpose of these wedges is to provide all swimmers with a stable platform for their feet.
World Aquatics collaborated with Omega and Myrtha Pools to develop a system where the wedge would hang off the block and into the water. Swimmers would be able to adjust the height of the wedge according to their preference. The wedge system was tested at national championships around the world, including the United States, in the summer of 2013.
In addition to the Omega system, other companies such as Colorado Time Systems introduced the pull-down wedge system, designed specifically for pools with walls that end at water level. Swimmers manually pull down the wedge to their desired height and set their feet on it, keeping it in place until they push off and dive, at which point the wedge retracts back to its normal position out of the water.
The backstroke wedge made its debut at the 2016 Olympic Games and has since become widely used in competitive swimming.
Wedge Controversy
However, the use of the wedge has had its share of issues, with two notable incidents occurring in 2019. During events where Omega blocks are in use, officials must remember to pull the wedges out of the water after the swimmer begins the race. At the 2019 NCAA Men’s Championships, one official forgot to do so in a 100-yard back preliminary heat for Cal’s Daniel Carr. Carr slipped on the turn as his feet hit the wedge. Initially missing out on the top-16, Carr was later granted a re-swim. In the subsequent solo race, he recorded his best time and qualified for the A-final, becoming a pivotal moment in Cal’s journey to a national championship.
Months later, at the World Championships, the semifinals of the women’s and men’s 100-meter backstroke almost took place without the wedges after multiple swimmers slipped in the prelims. Simone Sabbioni of Italy encountered slips twice, once during the prelims swim and another during his first re-swim attempt. Eventually, through swimmer and coach feedback, World Aquatics allowed the wedges to be used in the semifinals, although swimmers were not allowed to adjust the height. To maintain fairness after the re-swims, 18 men swam in the semifinals instead of the usual 16.
Despite some controversy and drama, the implementation of backstroke wedges has been successful overall. Swimmers are at less risk of slipping off at the start, leveling the playing field and ensuring that the best swimmers can showcase their skills.
