Why Fast Starts Don’t Always Win Races

This article challenges the common assumption that the goal of the acceleration phase in sprinting is to simply maximize acceleration. Instead, it reframes the objective around building velocity—step by step—with smart, forceful, well-timed ground contact. By unpacking the physics, biomechanics, and coaching implications, it highlights why chasing acceleration can sometimes undermine overall speed and offers a better framework for understanding what really moves athletes forward.