Melbourne, July 25 (ANI): The International Association of Athletics Federations officials have moved to head off another starting blocks controversy on the eve of the London Olympics by softening false start rules.
World record holder Usain Bolt and Australia's Sally Pearson are two recent examples of sprinters who have been disqualified for breaking the starter's gun on the grandest stages.
Bolt was disqualified from the 100m finals at last year's World Championships, while Pearson was denied a 100m Commonwealth title in 2010 after breaking in the final, News.com.au reports.
Both instances were clear breaks but the IAAF has removed some of the contentious rules area by ordering its officials to permit movement in the starting blocks.
Previously as little as a twitch could prompt a false start ruling, which under international rules would mean disqualification at the discretion of the starter.
Now, only an athlete's hands or feet leaving the ground will constitute a false start. (ANI)
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