New technology, new rules, new start B ackstroke starts have changed drastically over the years. Swimmers used to be able to stand on the ledge of the gutter for their backstroke start before a rule change eliminated the practice. They then began curling their toes over the gut- ter’s ledge, but another rule change and full-wall touchpads ended that. Backstrokers were no longer able to get a little bit of extra grip and lift on their starts. Until now. Wedges for forward starts have become popular, and now wedges for backstroke starts are becoming more common. Using these wedges can help keep you from slipping on the wall and give you the explo- sive power you need to kick off a great race. 25 ju l y- au gu st 20 19