Use of Technology
The use of technology to assist sport has gained considerable attention in recent decades.
Improved cycling helmets, graphite golf club shafts, Lycra bodysuits and the controversial fast swimsuits are only some of the sport-related technologies of the last half century.
It would be difficult to discern which advances were more significant in terms of performances or more beneficial to sport itself.
Certainly, computer timing in sports such as swimming and video analysis to improve skill execution rank among the most important developments.
Improved cycling helmets, graphite golf club shafts, Lycra bodysuits and the controversial fast swimsuits are only some of the sport-related technologies of the last half century.
It would be difficult to discern which advances were more significant in terms of performances or more beneficial to sport itself.
Certainly, computer timing in sports such as swimming and video analysis to improve skill execution rank among the most important developments.
Training Innovations -
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Training innovations -
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Activity 1 - Training Innovations
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innovations_in_sport.pdf | |
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Click on Top End Sports link above for sport specific info on the use of technology in Australian sports.
Has Technology Gone Too Far?
This question can be the hardest to answer. There is no doubt that athletes today are faster and stronger then ever before. There will always be extraordinary athletes like Usain Bolt but are we approaching the ultimate in human performance? Is the best athlete winning? Or the person with the best gear?
FINA has come out (after much discussion and questioning) and made a bold statement towards the use technology in sport. In 2010, FINA banned the use of many versions of fast swimsuits. This move validated the view of many who regarded the use of certain suits were advantaging certain athletes. Last year FINA went one step further; now goggles and swim caps must also be regulated for records to count. As far as FINA is concerned, technology HAS gone too far.
To answer a question like this you must consider:-
What is the reason for the advancement. Do they improve the comfort of the athlete? Do they provide a more accurate measurement? Has it lead to improved training? Does it reduce injury?
What has gone too far? Is it the cost which has then created a uneven playing field? Is it only the select few which benefit? Do they change the nature of the game?
To answer this you must make a value judgement. Base it on information and arguments you can supply.
FINA has come out (after much discussion and questioning) and made a bold statement towards the use technology in sport. In 2010, FINA banned the use of many versions of fast swimsuits. This move validated the view of many who regarded the use of certain suits were advantaging certain athletes. Last year FINA went one step further; now goggles and swim caps must also be regulated for records to count. As far as FINA is concerned, technology HAS gone too far.
To answer a question like this you must consider:-
What is the reason for the advancement. Do they improve the comfort of the athlete? Do they provide a more accurate measurement? Has it lead to improved training? Does it reduce injury?
What has gone too far? Is it the cost which has then created a uneven playing field? Is it only the select few which benefit? Do they change the nature of the game?
To answer this you must make a value judgement. Base it on information and arguments you can supply.