Do records mean less now?
Discussion statements | This is for ages 10 to 13
Technology and equipment in sport have improved a lot over time, which has helped athletes train better and perform at higher levels.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain why
"New equipment makes breaking records easier, so now world records will be less impressive."
Tell us what you think
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I [agree / disagree] with the statement because [your reason]. For example, [give an example from sport]. However, others might feel that [an opposite view].
Make sure you read the comments from other Topical Talkers to see whether you agree or disagree with them.
Comments (43)
I partly agree with the statement because modern equipment can give athletes an advantage that didn't exist before. New shoes, bikes or swimmsuits can reduce effort and improve speed, which makes breaking records easier than in the past. For example, advanced running shoes have helped many athletes run faster times. However, others might think that world records are still impressive because the equipment alone isn't enough. Athletes still need strong skills -like strength and endurance- discipline and years of training to reach that level.
It depends because if it was popping the most balloons it wouldn’t matter as much as running the furthest in one day
I agree with you on this.
in what way do you agree, hopeful_crab?
I concur to aforementioned point. Introducing new equipment especially ones that enhance an athletes capabilities makes it easy to break world records. If you have noticed, people are no longer impressed by world records anymore because we have imbibed things like aerodynamic bicycles (for speed cycling records), carbon fiber shoes( for running and sprinting) and many others. Back in the days, world records were all about raw skill and real human ingenuity. World records were impressive in those days because participants trained in an uncomfortable manner which built resistance and determination for winning. We should try our very best to put aside some of these equipment so the excitement will be back.
I agree with this statement because, you getting a world record is just a symbol or a way of showing people all the effort you put into attaining the record. Wining the game is about earning the victory. Would you prefer to work hard for something or have it given to you on a silver platter? Speaking for myself, I would prefer to earn it than to be given because anytime I look at the record, I would remember the effort I put into attaining it and how I would've encouraged other people which will make me feel better of myself.
For example, in a sport like football. You spend your whole time practising for a big game, you put in all your best and in the end you are emerged as the winner, it doesn't just make you happy, it makes you feel validated. On another hand, if another player who uses some equipment or gadget wins. It leaves who actually put in effort feeling down and sad.
i agree that technology helps athletes perform better because better equipment and training tools help improve and break records. However, this can make record mean less because athletes in the past did not have the same technology and this can make older records less fair to compare.
I do not agree with some people because you do not use technology for lot of things i only use it for watching or see how to make things .
I agree with this statement because modern technology can give athletes advantage that didn`t exist before. New boots, bike, swimmsuits can improve speeds. Athletes still need strong skills like strength and endurance, discipline and years of training to reach that level.
Records aren't as impressive as they used to be. But this idea doesn't convey the whole truth,,, So I this disagree with this statement.
From my view point, the reason I disagree is precisely,
Firstly, the expansion of human limits doesn't stop at any single moment. Improved equipment helps to reveal human potential more clearly. No matter how good the shoes are, it's impossible to break a world record without hard work and talent.
Another reason for my view is that the function of Technology is only to perfect the ability. Equipment helps the athlete's own physical ability to reach its maximum limit. For example, the advanced running shoe of 2026 will reduce the energy waste of a skilled athlete, giving him a few milliseconds of advantage.
However, others might think that new challenges are also born. While modern equipment increases the opportunity to break records, the quality of competition has also increased manifold. Again, research has shown that half of the improvement in world records comes from the technology,, but the other half comes from the athlete's own physical improvement, diet and mental toughness to embrace new challenges.
So,while new equipment makes breaking world records easier, it doesn't make the records any less impressive. Rather, they are a continuous progression of human ability,,, where technology and human labor together reach new heights. This reveals a unique combination of Human ability and Modern science.....
Thank you💕
I disagree that new equipments makes records less impressive. From my point of view, records always shows what human can achieve in a period of time, Not how they relate to the past. Equipments doesn't take away effort (when it is available for everyone), it makes the competition more tougher. When everyone of the athelete has access to better equipments, what really matters is the atheletes training, focus, hardwork, dedication and determination.
Im my opinion, Today atheletes faces more pressure compared to past. Every game/performance is watched, analyzed and compared. Nowadays breaking records not just requires physical strength, also the ability to handle expectation, and mental toughness, this makes modern records as impressive as old records.
I also feel that new equipment pressures atheletes to be more creative. They need to learn how to use it effectively, adjust the techniques to merge their skills with the equipments and optimize their performance. This not only require physical ability, it requires intelligence and strategy.
I also think progress in equipment is part of the sports( if it is accessed by everyone). Every generation had new, unique innovations that helped atheletes perform better. So records are not less valuable because of new tools, they are proof that humans keep pushing limits and improving.
Can you say more on what you mean by "intelligence and strategy"?
I’m kind of in the middle. Yes, new equipment and tech-assisted gear help athletes train better and achieve the goal of breaking records. But since it is related to the human body and physical strength, athletes still need to work hard. New equipment and technology help them train smarter, but using these cannot erase human effort. In my opinion, records are impressive in a different way, but they are not directly comparable to older ones and also records aren't fake now. Records are not just about numbers now. It’s not the numbers that matter, it’s about a human pushing the limits. For example, Usain Bolt, who holds the world record for being the fastest man of all time, ran in normal sprint spikes with no tech-assisted gear.
Can you explain what you mean by records previously being "fake"?
By “fake,” I was not implying deliberate cheating. I meant that some earlier records are less reliable due to weaker regulation, imprecise timing, and limited doping control. Modern records are verified under stricter standards, which makes them more credible, though not directly comparable to past ones.
I agree because modern equipment give more of an advantage for athletes.Like lets say new shoes or swimsuits but with them you can improve your speed.
Can you share some more examples of how modern equipment can support athletes?
I disagree with this statement , because although tech might make certain activities easier ,breaking world records still needs perseverance,grit and endurance. For example Kevin Kiptum beat the men's marathon world record but he was wearing Nike Alphafly 3 shoes, however it still took his own personal speed,stamina and perseverance.
Hi I'm easygoing_newspaper and i disagree with this statement because even though new equipment can make certain parts of sport easier breaking a word record is still extraordinary achievement that takes years of dedication .Technology might help athletes go faster of reduce drag or improve safety ,but it doesn't magically turn someone into a champion .Athletes still have to train every day , push through pain , stay mentally strong and compete under huge pressure. In fact, as equipment improves the standards rise too - meaning these athletes must work harder to stand out .Records have always change with time: tracks got smoother ,skis got lighter, icer inks became better and coaching got more scientific , Yet every generation still respect its Record breakers because they are the ones who push limits of what humans can do .Instead of making records less impressive new equipment simply shift the challenge .Athletes must learn to master the new tools adapt their technique and still outperform everyone else. That combination of talent effort and innovation is what makes a record truly impressive , no matter what type of equipment you use.
I agree with this statement because techs helps athletes improve their routine and help them score higher points, not just making it useful, but powerful if used correctly and in the terms of the sports rules.
For example: using a breathing monitor as well as a heart rate one which can notice a sudden buff or drop that would lead to death or medical conditions that would notify the coach and the judges if in competitions to stop the athlete from competing
Others may disagree because some teams don't have the available money for these certain device, lowering the score at the end.
Something both sides will agree on that sports need pure skill by discipline not artificial interaction.
I agree with the statement that new equiptment makes breaking records easier. For example, in swimming, modren swimsuits reduce water resistance and help athletes move faster, while underwater cameras and stroke-analysis softwares allow swimmers to sharpen their technique. These technological advantages only some countries get mean that some records are influenced more equiptment rather than natrual ability or training. Still breaking a world record is still a huge major achievement, the role of new advanced equiptment can make these accopmlishments less extraordinary compared to earlier generations.
I agree that new equipment can make it easier for the athletes to break records because modern technology helps improve performance. For example, better shoes or equipment can reduce effort and help athletes move faster or more efficiently.
However, I do not think this makes world records less impressive. Athletes still need to train for several years, stay in fit, and work very hard to reach this level. Technology alone cannot break a record without talent, discipline, and determination.
In conclusion, while new equipment plays in improving results, world records are still impressive because they show how much athletes push their limits and how sport continues to develop over time.
I agree with this because technology and equipment have greatly improved athlete's performance, making it easier to train and set records, but it doesn't mean that new world records will be less impressive. For instance, running shoes with carbon fibre plates, worn by marathoners such as Eliud Kipchoge, increase running efficiency by as much as 4%, which translates to minutes off marathon records. Additionally, swimmers wearing tech suits, which were first seen in 2008 Beijing Olympics, contributed to the setting of multiple world records in a single competition. Others may feel that these records are not as great because they are now dependent on equipment rather than talent. Some people may argue that it is not fair to compare current records with past records because current athletes have the benefit of technology that past athletes did not. I believe that the reality is that technology does not diminish talent but rather enhances it. A record-breaking performance is still the result of years of hard work, planning and mental toughness. Technology simply narrows the gap, but the effort that goes into the achievement is still just as admirable. Moreover, technology cannot teach an athlete discipline, concentration and the ability to withstand pain. In my view, celebrating modern records doesn't diminish human effort, it just shows how innovation and hardwork together redefine limits. It also teaches young athletes that progress isn't about shortcuts like involving in doping, but about using available resources wisely while mastering yourselves.
If the athlete is skilled then they are skilled. But if a really poor country is breaking records with no money they obviously still have lots of talent and skill so should be respected and given the same equipment as everyone else to make it fair.
I think the richer the team means that they can buy better technology for there team or them self but its not that fair because we want to have fair a competition so it can be fair but yes it does make world records less impressive because your using this which gives them an advantage so if people want to join it it will be unfair on them in Olympics .
World records are still impressive of course but are less fun to watch like in the Olympics running for example they can have running shoes but other country's that don't have as much money they can get better coaches equipment and experience it is not fair for people and better for fans if they are gonna have equipment they should make sure everyone gets the same equipment and fair stuff to compete in stuff its should be about skill not money and technology.
I think that records mean less now because people are using way to much technology ! And i think people like real effort and skills not just devices do it all for you.
I think that if you use the technology in the game it wouldn't be fair to the other components but if you used the technology during training it would be more fair as you haven't interfered with the actual game or sport.
I agree that the equipment matters a lot and that it could really be that second or that centimeter that matters therefore they will become less impressive as more will be broken and therefore more of them are less impressive.
I disagree if you won a world record then you wouldn`t just be like oh nice you would be like yes omg I never thought I would ever win yes yes YES!!! Just because some people have a different view on it doesn`t mean that it is right. For example Usain
I personally agree with the statement "do records mean less now?" because the more the world is advancing and technology is growing better, the limits keep growing further away and older records have the larger chance of being beaten because technology was not as advanced back then
But people keep breaking their own records and getting better and better and I think this truly depends on the skill. I think athletes with larger potential should receive better funding
I disagree because sometimes you need to try on your own and you might get better. Having too much money means that its not just about their skill anymore which was the whole point.
I agree with the statement because it adds less fun and less skill into the records. For example in football the have robotic legs to kick the worlds longest football. However others disagree to this statement.
I agree, because they found better equipment that they can use it to break records a lot more easier. I think it is then less impressive. The athletes may rely too much the equipment that's helping them.
I agree with the quote because technology has heavily evolved in the past after many years of hard work and effort. However, some athletes aren't completely reliant on it and just need it to improve their determination and skill.They will still need to have many years of training to become better. Also, records are still being broken but the tech could be unfair reducing fairness.
i agree that people should use technology to train better but is it fair to train if it a it help people to get better but my opinion to treat everyone in the game fairly
I agree because some people have records from years ago and they used no tech. For example new shoes , bikes or swimsuits can reduce effort and increase speed which makes breaking records easier now than the past. e.g in the Paralympics if someone had a prosthetic leg/ arm which makes it easier for many people but some people don't have enough money for one so some people break records easier.
I agree with this statement because records back in the day were hard to beat when they didn't have much equipment.Nowadays, teams have lots of different things to make them better.It is still impressive because they have to try better then anyone has ever done at the sport.
Some people don't actually try to train they only rely on only their gadgets so they win better than other people so they waste their money on more gadgets then their food and other things for the tournament so they don't actually win fair and square so the person that came second might of had no gadgets to use so they might of trained to win then they should actually win then the (cheater ) so they should actually have cameras so they can see who is cheating and not so people win fair and square .
I agree with the fact that tech has helped to train, but I do not think it should be allowed during the competition as it alters your skills and what you can do. Whilst it has helped many athletes, it still hasn’t made anything fair or even.
It will make new records less impressive as they have used technology to make it seem like they are better than they actually are.
Say if you beat the world record for running the furthest, but you used shoes or trainers that helped you go faster, that wouldn’t be as interesting as it would’ve been without the extra help.
I agree with the statement because the records broken in 1900 when there wasn’t as much technology are achieved because of there skills not because of technology so I think it’s just unfair😠 thank you for reading my opinion.😊
i agree because that the tech helps modern people achieve more dreams but older people had to work hard and train for at least 10 hours just to complete a world record dream just for it to be useless in the modern days even they were a legend like phillip walking across the twin towers and now barely any people knows the story
I agree because the people who break the records are using special gear so they are not actually breaking the record themselves. These facilities didn't exist before so there is an unfair advantage for those who use technology.
I agree with this statement because if you use tech to break a world record then others can just go back on the tech you used and break them. For example Mark Rober broke world records with devils toothpaste.
What's devil's toothpaste?
I think that VAR has not only helped players but referees to.When VAR wasnt introduced Frank Lampard had a penalty and he panenkaed it and it hit the crossbar and when went in but the referee didnt see it and called the players to play on.
Well done for using an example to help explain your opinion.
No because when they break records it could be with special, shoes, and other stuff so yes they do mean less now .
I totally agree with this statement since technology devices make records too easy to achieve. Technology erases difficulties in sports consequently breaking records would not be impressive anymore. Using technology in breaking records is like using a calculator during a math test. Breaking record now is celebrating technology not humans. Yet in the past, breaking records was depending on pure skills and training. If we compared a marathon now with a marathon that happened 50 years ago. Would it be that same?
For example, the record of Usain Bolt which was in 2009. He ran 100m in 9.58 seconds. people were screaming and were surprised and shocked. All of this was because it was a moment of pure sport magic. However, if someone now used technology and broke Bolt's record, no one will be surprised because it was by the help of technology.
To conclude, I believe that technology makes breaking results less impressive.
Is it reasonable that technology consumes the human's achievements in breaking records?
Hello dear topical talkers once I read this statement "New equipment makes breaking records easier, so now world records will be less impressive." I agreed immediately because now people keep beating their records. for example, scientists once thought the first human to run a marathon in under 2 hours would be born in the year 2047 but with the greatest and most modern sports tech a Kenyan runner Eliot Kipchoge ran a marathon in under 2 hours, so I kept thinking aw man! sports tech is making records easy to break but then I thought about the fastest to ever live Usain bolt, he shattered three world records with normal sports gear and it remains for 11 years. He recently also told the media that if he had modern sports technology, he could easily run 9. 45 seconds and then i thought new technology in some way does give an unfair advantage in my perspective it can be used to level up the playing field because even if someone is given the latest sports tech without effort practice and dedication it's impossible to achieve something at great heights so yeah even though I thought it is unfair I'll admit I've changed my mind.
signing off: Fair minded Elephant
I strongly agree with this statement, technology and sports equipment have gotten way better over time, and this really helps athletes train smarter and perform at higher levels for example running shoes now have carbon plates which makes runners go faster, watches have sensors to check your heart rate, athletes watch slow-motion videos of themselves to fix mistakes in their form without having to practice way more and world records in running, jumping, or swimming keep getting beaten because of these improvements. So yes, good technology doesn't take away hard work, but it gives athletes a big advantage to train better and reach new records!
Hi I’m rhetorical_whale I agree because yes records are being broken every day but it doesn’t really count because the records are showing the players performance but they may not be as good as you think…. Due to the amazing technology that we have today it might be the technology that makes the player better than everyone else.