Photo finish

A photo finish occurs in a sporting race, when two (or more) competitors cross the finishing line at near the same time. As the naked eye may not be able to discriminate between which of the competitors crossed the line first, a strip photo, a series of rapidly triggered photographs, or a video taken at the finish line may be used for a more accurate check. Nowadays, the photographs may be digital but usually involve special equipment. They may be triggered by a laser or photovoltaic means.

Related Topics:
Sporting - Race - Naked eye - Photograph - Laser - Photovoltaic

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Historically, a hand cranked strip photograph was taken at the finishing line. Today, finish line photos are still used in nearly every modern racing sport. Although some sports use electronic equipment to track the racers during a race, a photo is considered the most important evidence in selecting the winner. Finish photos are used in nearly all professional human and animal races. Except for races where athletes are divided into lanes, such as competitive swimming, which use touch pads. However, they may be examined only when a race is close or when a record has been broken.

Related Topics:
Athlete - Competitive swimming - Record

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