Competitive pool lane numbering

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m full of questions today after watching the Olympics for over 6hrs already!

Background: I grew up a swimmer including swimming and coaching in college (including Ryan Lochte!).

AFAIK, all competitive pools are numbered from L to R as you are in the water looking at the blocks. The only major pool I know of where this is NOT true is Army (US Military Academy) b/c they have 8 lanes, but the L 2 lanes go back into a tunnel for 50m while the R most 6 lanes are only 25yds. Thus, they number their pool 1-6 (or 1-8) from R to L.

Question: If this is true, why is the Olympic pool numbered from R to L as you are in the pool facing the blocks? Dumb question, I know…but I NEED to know:) Is it b/c the Brits drive on the “wrong” side??? lol

2

I know nothing about swimming, but it seems most events I have watched the start is to the right of the tv screen, and this one is to the left. But its not like I watch a ton of swimming.