starting block
An object used by athletes in racing events as a starting point or as a place to brace their feet, such as in swimming competitions and track and field events.
In swimming competitions, it is a raised structure on the poolside designed to facilitate jumping into water.
In track and field events, it is a device to brace athletes' feet so they can adopt a better starting posture and not slip as they launch forward at the start of a race.
Examples
