Performance Improvements Over Time Why have we had so many improvements in events over time? WILL IT EVER STOP?

Increased Performances Over Time Every single sport has had some significant change to it to help improve it or make it more spectacular for the spectators to watch. Improvements have also seen better performances by athletes thus lower times in sports/events.

Increased Performances Over Time Let’s look at the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints. We now use electronic timing instead of hand held watches, we use starting blocks, footwear is obviously top notch and track surfaces are bouncier.

Increased Performances Over Time You all heard in the Sydney Olympics that records were going to be broken by Ian Thorpe in the pool. This is of no coincidence as they made the pool into a “fast pool”, meaning little drag was caused by the splashing of water off the edges. Thus records were made to be broken.

Developments in Clothing, Equipment & Facilities In recent times, many new or improved fabrics have been created, ~ the use of Lycra for cyclists decreases wind resistance, or Gore-Tex which allows sweat to pass through it. Look at the women’s basketball team instead of wearing singlets and Bloomer’s they now wear full Lycra outfits.

Sports Equipment Many new materials are now used in the manufacture of sports goods. Some of these include expensive light weight metals such as titanium and carbon fibre. This has helped sports such as: Tennis (racquets), Cycling (bikes), Rowing (oars & boats), Fishing (rods), Golf (clubs) and Surfing (boards).

Sports Facilities These have also changed to improve performances. We have already spoken about the pool in the Sydney Olympics but did you know they also used anti-wave lane ropes, and starting blocks with sloped tops and toe grips. Artificial playing surfaces are now becoming more popular for soccer and hockey, and even the introduction of Rebound Ace has sped tennis up.

Sports Facilities Elastic floors in dance, basketball, aerobics and volleyball are used to absorb shock and aid jumping. Other things such as electronic eyes in tennis, the third umpire in cricket as well as stump cam and other areas used to improve sports.

Aussie Rules Football Lycra jumpers – hard to tackle, lightweight, carries less sweat. Water vests – prevent against dehydration Football Boots – more cushioning, more durable Surfaces – grass has increased speed but spongy to help reduce Knee injuries

Tennis Racquets - Light weight (titanium, carbon fibre) larger head {use to be wooden} Tennis Balls – more bounce to increase speed Cyclops – to see accuracy of serves Sports shoes – better cushioning, helps protect ankles and knees. Surfaces – rebound ace