I fully sympatize with Nancy. How can humans compare the performance of a traditional sports competence like the Olympics, is avery 4 years the conditions EXTERNAL to the competitos change? It would be unfair to keep helping and helping newer competitors while older ones records are being surpassed not thanks to the newer ones becoming better, but because of the abuse of technology.
Nancy's comparison break down seems to me straightforward and true. I'm curious which times would achieve the famous swimmer when dressed with a, say, 1936 model swimsuit? Amclaussen.
Beth in her posts had extremely important points. High-tech is appearing in almost all sports. Also, Speedo is talking about migrating the technology into mainstream swimming. These aspects tend to drive down costs.
Purists are right in their thinking and, for example, there are cars still made with self-starters for those who want "real" cars. At one point, auto self-starters were only for wimps and the rich. But for others, the cost point moved down to the point where all mass produced cars have self-starters.
RichZ28's, I really liked your description of your surf boarding experience because it is one factor that drives the acceptance of technology. I can relate to your experience
Advancing technology has the advantage of making sure that records are broken so there is a continuing interest in a sport. Usually, the records have an asterisk and not explaining why a new record is different from an old record where technology is an explanation of the difference.
Wouldn't it be a boring world if there were no new records being broken?
That makes sense, Musashi. Workout swimmers do want the resistance. I wonder if these suits make it down to the level of high school and college competition. While they are expensive, I would imagine it might be worth the investment at the college level.
I think the high-tech swimsuit was banned since it was new and exotic (expensive) and not everyone had access to use the swimsuit (especially athletes from disadvantaged countries). Whenever there is equipment used in sports, there are rules for the equipment.
Years ago when I was much younger, and an avid body boarder on the nice Southern California waves, I purchased a better body board (top-of-the-line Morey Boogie board). I spent about $200 for the board, much more than the $20 boards from Target stores. Besides having a carbon fiber insert within the board, it had a special fish scale texture low-friction material on the bottom side. When taking a wave, I would pass others on their inexpensive body boards like they were standing still! I was able to take any wave without regard to those less well equipped...absolutely no contest! It was like driving a high-performance car around economy cars. That said, I can fully understand why a high-tech swim suit would be an unfair advantage if all competitors did not have the same thing.
I think the high-tech swimsuit was banned since it was new and exotic (expensive) and not everyone had access to use the swimsuit (especially athletes from disadvantaged countries). Whenever there is equipment used in sports, there are rules for the equipment.
Years ago when I was much younger, and an avid body boarder on the nice Southern California waves, I purchased a better body board (top-of-the-line Morey Boogie board). I spent about $200 for the board, much more than the $20 boards from Target stores. Besides having a carbon fiber insert within the board, it had a special fish scale texture low-friction material on the bottom side. When taking a wave, I would pass others on their inexpensive body boards like they were standing still! I was able to take any wave without regard to those less well equipped...absolutely no contest! It was like driving a high-performance car around economy cars. That said, I can fully understand why a high-tech swim suit would be an unfair advantage if all competitors did not have the same thing.
It seems to me that the simple answers are swim naked or allow anything. But this decision is political so the answer will have to be complicated and based on which point of view is backed by the people with the most money and influence. Then they'll think up some ridiculous rational to justify the decision.
I can definitely relate to the purist arguments, but what makes the high-tech suit any different than the high-tech skis or composite golf clubs or bats for that matter? Clearly technology and advanced materials is having a huge impact on sports and as long as the governing bodies do their part to ensure no one has an unfair advantage or that the technology isn't completely replacing human effort, that's I'm game.
The NBA has also banned shoes from the court. 25 years ago Air Jordans were considered too flashy and distracting, giving the Bulls an advantage. Today, Athletic Propulsion Labs shoes are banned because they're said to give an unfair advantage due to their vertical influencing technology.
I think new technology, like new training regimens are good for sports. Using creativity to gain a competitive edge is what it's about today. And, the idea of what is fair changes through the years.
The purists who want an even playing field may want to go back to a more historic approach. First Olympics=All male athletes, all nude, no women allowed to attend or view the games.
A natural body only class is good for competition, but they should also have an technically assisted body class with no holds barred - just no power assist.
This would make things very interesting.
For the public market, how about a "Charles Atlas" ensemble with tan through material. THAT should to keep the bully's sand out of your face.
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