False Start

Swimming coaches have a new tool to help strengthen athletic performances: elastic cords tied to the side of the pool — and attached to the swimmers. The cords are used both ways, both to pull against swimmers’ strokes to build strength and to pull them through the water faster. Swimmers “love it," said Tony St. Onge, a coach at Moses Lake (Wash.) High School. “We call it bungee swimming. The bigger boys try tying on two or three bungees, and they can fly down the pool,” he said. “Our 25 yard record is about 6 seconds.” (AP) ...Plus it helps divers get back to the platform faster.