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

Why some old world records are actually more impressive

Nowadays a lot of technology and new training methods are used in sports, for example in F1, where there are new regulation changes and new electrical engines are used instead of the older classical fuel engines. Some people debate if that makes old world records even more impressive because of the lack of technology back then.

Personally, I agree that old world records are even more impressive.

Many people might disagree because they might think that back then even getting into sports was very reliant on who you were and where you came from. So not everybody got a fair chance to compete, meaning that world records were only being set by the people who could even take part, meaning people who had enough money or were very respected.

One of the reasons why I agree, is because back then people did not have the knowledge about diets and nutrition. Meaning athletes did not know what the exact foods were they needed to eat, to affect certain parts of their body, which are impacted the most in their sport. So, they did not have the exact diets they needed, making it even more difficult to maintain the correct form.

The second reason is, nowadays they have very intense and more adapted training to their sports and particular needs that need to be met. In older days, most athletes didn’t have a very refined training, they all just trained to keep fit. In current times they have an extremely specific plan on what and how they need to train. Back then it was very basic practise, as an example in track and field, athletes used to just run lap and practise basic drills, now there are specific data analyses on the smallest movements, which need to be changed.

The most convincing reason to me is, that back then they did not have the advanced technology, which they have now. That means the wins and records were based on complete talent because they didn’t have any performance enhancing equipment. As an example, in running, there are special carbon fibre shoes designed to enhance the athletes performance, making them quicker. Back then people were reliant on basic running shoes, making their records and lap times based solely on their talents.

As a conclusion, old records are more impressive due to the lack of knowledge about specific help and technology back then. Even though technology is an important part of today’s sport and can make them more interesting to watch and help to include more people, broadening the spectrum of athletes.