A pistol that fires blank cartridges to signal the start of a race. The loud sound provides a clear, simultaneous signal that all competitors can hear, ensuring a fair start.
From 'starting' (beginning) and 'gun' (firearm). The practice began in the mid-1800s when race officials needed a loud, attention-getting signal that could be heard over crowd noise and by all competitors simultaneously, replacing flags or verbal commands.
Electronic starting systems have largely replaced actual guns at major competitions because the sound travels at different speeds to athletes in different lanes! Modern systems play the starting sound through speakers behind each athlete simultaneously, ensuring everyone hears it at exactly the same time.
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