It&#x27;s not. Using a motor on your bicycle, a little propeller tied to your back while swimming, and a mechanically telescoping pole to vault with are also disallowed. So using mechanical assistance is also in the list of disallowed things. An unfortunate loss for the inventive sportsman.<p>Other disallowed things:<p>* having spectators strategically fall in the path of your competitors. Unfortunate for the cunning sportsman.<p>* adjusting the physical conditions of your part of the field (no ultra-bouncy start mat for when you are going to make the long jump). A pity, the inventive sportsman misses out again<p>* using a separate biological aid. No horses for the sprinter, or palanquins for the long distance runner, no team of people boosting you over the high jump bar. A tragic loss for the sportsman who can recruit nature&#x27;s finest.