An Olympic question

A staggered start in track and field is when runners start a race at different points on the track based on their lane. The runner in the outside lane starts ahead of the runner in the next lane, and so on. The purpose of a staggered start is to ensure that each runner covers the same distance around the track, even if the track curves.

At a certain point, the distance difference in lane assignment that the stagger achieved has been equalized and with longer distances, the runners cut in.

In other words, for longer distances or for the 4x400 relay, if they stay in the same lanes, lanes 2-8 will be running a longer distance. To have a stagger for the 1500 m or 4x400, the staggered start would have to be completely around the track.

Middle and distance events have more 8 runners in each heat. My son ran the 10000m in college. I can’t imagine multiple heats of the 10000m if only 8 can go at a time. I don’t even know how they could do that stagger.

Running in the pack is part of the strategy of middle and long distance track events.

www.king5.com/article/sports/olympics/why-runners-start-at-different-places-track-paris-olympics-explained/281-873936f5-aa29-4df0-af6b-2ee8ea6554f2#

The swimming section was supposed to be in a temporary pool next to the equestrian area at Versailles - is that where they did hold it, or was it changed?

Whether it was or not, I bet the competitors were glad it was in a pool and not the Seine! There has been some wonderful times during the Games, but some parts have been unmitigated disasters.