🏈 interesting data - Olympics 100m history

[planomateo]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...meter-dash-one-race-every-medalist-ever.html/

I love seeing comparisons like this, might have to open in Internet Explorer to see the video

It shows how the past 100m winners would be today against Bolts 2012 numbers, also compares kids today of various ages against previous winners. Pretty interesting data.

every medalist since 1896 based on average speed, Carl Lewis in 1980 would be 10' behind 2012 winner Bolt.

Based on the athletes’ average speeds, if every Olympic medalist raced each other, Usain Bolt (the London version) would win, with a wide distribution of Olympians behind him. Below, where each sprinter would be when Bolt finishes his race.

 

[TerryP]

If I was a little faster I could run with Bolt...

 

[planomateo]

I always think its interesting to compare the best of then to the best of now. Take golf for example, the technology in clubs/balls is far superior to what it was say when Jack was playing, would Jack be that much better playing now?

I'm not sure how much of a technological advantage you can get in 100m racing - aerodynamic clothing (thinking Lance Armstrong), better shoes?

I know they made some changes a few years ago where they put speakers behind each runner to help eliminate any small advantage one runner might have based on hearing the starting signal sooner based on proximity to the gun (a stretch I know).

 

[TerryP]

Lighter shoes, that's for certain.

A lot outside of the sport as well. Conditioning routines, workouts, diets, etc.

Another thing to take into consideration is how the track is made. Several decades ago we're talking concrete, then probably a move to asphalt. Now, the material almost has a spring back effect.

Slightly outside of this conversation but since you brought it up...one thing about golf is with all of the technological advances, you do see a group bringing it back in any way they can to the "original sport." Just this week there's a lot of talk of eliminating the "anchored putters," those you see guys sticking into their stomach as a lever point. (golf on the mind this week...not that it ever leaves, but the PGA Championship is in town)