Backstroke start has evolved since last 10 years due to modifications on international rules and block configuration; however, researchers have not yet attempted to verify the combined effects of these changes on the backstroke start technique. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the backstroke starting variants performed at elite swimming events considering the effects of the current FINA rules and the starting block handgrip actualizations. Video images from individual backstroke events recorded during 2012 Olympic Games and 2013 Swimming World Championships were analyzed from official FINA's videos. Frequency analysis was calculated to verify the starting variants distribution by gender, event and classification. Considering 100 and 200 m backstroke heats, semi-finals and finals, male and female swimmers adopted four and six different starting variants, respectively. Analyzing only the semi-finals and finals, males performed two variants at 50 and 100 m and three variants at 200 m event, respectively, while females adopted three variants at 50 and 200 m and four variants at 100 m event, respectively. Independently of the gender, event and classification, swimmers frequently performed one variant with feet parallel and partially emerged and hands grasping the highest horizontal handgrip and the other one with feet parallel and partially emerged and hands grasping the vertical handgrip. In order to complement these findings, further studies are required to provide coaches and swimmers with biomechanical evidences of the different backstroke starting variants.
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