Re: Olympic data

["B. Esser" <besser@MARIAN.CREIGHTON.EDU>]

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004, John Mallinckrodt wrote:

> Probably the worst part of this definition is that the circumstances
> in different races--and even different lanes in the SAME race--can't
> be controlled well enough.  In particular, one would like a least to
> believe that the distance between "the starting block" (whatever THAT
> means) and the finish line is reproducible to within something like
> [(.01 s)/(10 s)] * 100 m = 10 cm.

The track certification process is managed by the IAAF. The distances are
measured from the start line to the finish line. The specifications for a
certified 400 m course requires that the distance be verified using a
minimum of 28 measurements. They recommend 24 radius measurements which
cannot vary from the specified distance by more than .005 meters.
Specifications for level, lane width, curbs etc are also provided.

Seiko is a big name in timing track events. The start of the clock is
linked to the "starters pistol" with a quartz timer and photo finish
apparatus. The finish is recorded using a slit video photo finish system.
It is claimed to be accurate to .001 seconds.
http://www.flashresults.com/whatwedo.html
has an example of the types of technology employed in timing individual
events.



Bruce Esser
Physics Teacher                    Something witty
Marian High School                     Should go here
http://marian.creighton.edu