Does the use of technology make new world records less impressive than those of the past?

In this day and age, it is clear that technological inventions have redefined the sport industry. They have reshaped the way athletes perform, how fans experience sporting events and how injury prevention is handled. Most importantly technology has improved athletes’ preparation for competitions.

The development of information and communication technologies has triggered a rapid sports development and largely contributed to achieving success. Indeed athletic performances can today be monitored thanks to wearable devices, adaptative equipment, virtual platforms and analytical tools. As a matter of fact, these technological innovations define how data is captured and leveraged.

As athletes are being assisted with technology, it is easier for them today to reach their highest potential. Nevertheless, in the past, their success truly only depended on their physical capacities and talent. However, nowadays, talent can be artificially created. Therefore more people succeed and the gap between the respective levels of athletes has largely been reduced.

Even though the records may now be more impressive than back in the days, there are less striking differences between the athletes’ best results. That is why today’s world records may be perceived as less honourable.

In addition with analyses driven by A.I. and virtual reality, outcomes of sporting events can approximately be predicted before even the competition has began. Spectators might therefore be less impressed and surprised when the athletes' performances appear on the big screens.