[CritterLover]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

When Dick Fosbury won gold in the 1968 Olympic High Jump by going over the bar backwards, the initial reaction was negative. Now, the Fosbury Flop is the only way the high jump is ever attempted.

But, all the while, it's still JUMPING. There's really only one way to run fast and diving is simply not running.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

When Dick Fosbury won gold in the 1968 Olympic High Jump by going over the bar backwards, the initial reaction was negative. Now, the Fosbury Flop is the only way the high jump is ever attempted.

That's a new technique which seems quite different than diving for the finish line.

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I know it is legal, but I am still outraged at the aspect of an athlete literally throwing themselves across the finish line to win a race. The first one was bad, now last night another competitor threw themselves over the finish line to win the medal.

I may be very naive, but this does not appear to me to be a very sportsmanlike way to win a race, and unless something is done to disqualify winning in this fashion, we will see the majority of close finishes won in this manner.

Anyone else have an opinion?

I agree with you 99 percent! Only part is that I am not outraged by the finish. I saw the first one and said to Mrs. Trap that the Bahamian runner lost. Well, ol' Sandtrap was wrong - again! I do not agree with that practice at all. Like almost all the posters have said, the runner SHOULD finish standing up in order to win. But until the rules change, we will see more and more of this.

[Villagesperson]

How are everyone's feelings on.....a runner in football diving into the end zone.....a runner in baseball either sliding or diving head first to avoid a tag......a soccer play who slides as they kick a goal ?

Just curious

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by Villagesperson

How are everyone's feelings on.....a runner in football diving into the end zone.....a runner in baseball either sliding or diving head first to avoid a tag......a soccer play who slides as they kick a goal ?

Just curious

None of those are timed events. The current rule that determines when the torso has crossed the line did not anticipate runners leaping for the finish line. The result is legitimate, but may force a look at modifying the rules to require the runner be upright.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Mikeod

None of those are timed events. The current rule that determines when the torso has crossed the line did not anticipate runners leaping for the finish line. The result is legitimate, but may force a look at modifying the rules to require the runner be upright.

Gold was not given out based on time. It could have taken a half hour, just who was first.