What is starting pistol? How to use in English

The term "starting pistol" can be traced back to the 19th century when foot races were held as a form of entertainment. Before the introduction of starting guns, the races were started by other means, such as blowing a whistle or waving a flag. However, these methods were often unreliable and inconsistent, leading to confusion and false starts. In response, in the 1840s, a British physician named William Penny Brookes proposed using a pistol as a more consistent and dramatic way to start races. He suggested that the pistol would create a loud bang that would immediately capture the runners' attention and give them a clear signal to begin racing. The concept caught on, and soon, pistol starts became the norm in racing events around the world. In 1896, the pistol was officially adopted as the starting device for the modern Olympic Games, and it has remained a symbol of the beginning of intense athletic competition ever since. Today, the starting pistol is a powerful and iconic image that represents the excitement and energy of sporting events, signifying that the drama and spectacle of competition are about to unfold. Its origins as a simple solution to a common problem have led it to become an indispensable part of modern sports culture.