Running faster with the help of tech
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Michael is a long-distance runner who uses modern sports technology to support his training, performance, and recovery. In this video, he explains how different types of running technology help him train smarter and race better.
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Based on Michael’s examples, does access to advanced sports technology make modern sport less fair?
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I [agree/disagree] that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair because [your reason using an example from the video]. Another reason for my view is [a second example, such as shoe technology or data tracking]. However, others might argue that [alternative view].
Make sure you read the comments from other Topical Talkers and respond to someone whose opinion is different from yours.
Comments (8)
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair. For example, the watch helps Michael track how much he slept, how long he was running, the distance he covered and even how fast he was. Another reason for my view is the shoe, which makes him feel comfortable while running and is specifically designed for long-distance running. However, others might argue that new sports technology could replace human skills by making athletes depend on it more. But in my opinion, it is simply a way to improve our sports, just as Michael has used it to enhance his performance.
In my eyes, the answer isn't a blank 'fair' or 'not fair'. I believe that things such as watches that record sleep activity, distance, speed, heartrate, etc. are perfectly valid as they do not artificially improve a runner's speed. These tools can help you improve, but you can't suddenly become a pro just by using technology. I would like to add an addendum to Michael's point about data analysis. Analysis which, for example, shows your reaction time (very important so that top runners can react to the signal to begin running) is invaluable to learn so that when training, you can set your own signals at defined intervals so your reaction speed can improve. There's also VR, which while currently not being really practical (we haven't reached Matrix level realities in VR... yet) feels perfectly valid for me since, everything that helps you in VR can be done in real life (just with way more money). Technologies that artificially improve your speed are NOT okay in my eyes. These don't exist yet but some notable examples that may come to be are augments which enhance your muscles, or maybe augments which enhance your eyesight in a shooting competition which doesn't allow for additional gear, the possibilities really are endless. This topic is remarkably similar to the Enhanced Games (talked about in Topical Talk 2024) which discussed using performance-enhancing drugs in various sports. However, others might argue that these augments can help level the playing field between people or maybe allow new discoveries or breakthroughs in sports which will enhance and change them.
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes sports less fair. I say this because from what I saw, it only makes sports safer. Micheal talked about how the technology helped him to know when his body was surpassing its limit, and whenever he could push himself to do better. In recent years, injuries in sports have been on the rise, and if this advanced technology can help to reduce it, it would be very wonderful. I can agree that it may give some athletes some slight advantages, but sports is about emotion, passion and excitement. Injuries are casualties which only make fans feel dread, grief, and empathy. I believe that advanced technology should be promoted as it gives all athletes a fighting chance, because it allows them to plan and strategize, taking sports to a whole new level. Less injuries, means a better fighting chance for each athlete, so if anything advanced technology makes sports more thrilling, and gives each athlete a fighting chance.
I find it interesting you've focused on injury prevention being one of the main advantages. Can you say a bit more about how technology leads to less injuries?
I sincerely think access to technology is essential. An athlete who trains with technology is by far better than the who doesn't train with technology. According to Michael Clarke, his garment watch helps him to know how much distance he covered, how fast he ran, his heart rate and other important information. It may even show his limits, as in how much distance he can cover in 1 minute.
Michael Clarke also mentioned the shoe he used. If he used a normal shoe, he would get blisters on his feet. These shoes, which have a level of technology in them, are made to be comfy and elastic and perfect for running. I think contemporary athletes are better than their predecessors which is a big development in sports.
Thank you.
I disagree that access to advances sports technology makes modern sport less fair because technology basically makes things easier for us because with the use of the watch like said in the video, it helps you keep track of your health, it helps to know whether you are progressing and the level of your health and I do not see how that makes sport less fair. Instead it is helping the players. Secondly, technology like the shoe helps sports to meet comfort. With all the heat and stress involved in sports, using the shoe technology you get to do it comfortably and it even helps boost one's speed. However, others might argue that the shoe technology makes sports less fair because it boosts one's speed but without the actual skill of running the shoes aren't aiding much.
I strongly agree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sports less fair because with advanced technology, people can easily do well in sports. For example, the shoe seen in the video makes running easier and faster by increasing the runner's overall speed. This may not be fair because people work hard to develop their skills and technology is just giving all of that away. However, others might argue that technology gives an edge, I disagree because sports is all about skills and talent, you are to engage in an activity that fits your abilities not activities that look fun, by using modern technology in order to win, it denotes that skill, talent and hard-work are no longer important.
I don't agree with Michael.
Other runners in the past years have been able to win a lot of races just by common training routine with out the use to technology.
People nowadays look for things that help them win faster and easier and also in a comfortable position , sports are not meant to be easy or fast the are meant to be done and practiced over , over again . If people are in a comfortable position to win that means they did not come to challenge themselves but they just came to have fun.
Example : Usain bolt won 8 Olympic medals and 11 world champion gold medals without the aid of technology and till date still the fastest man alive. If have the mentality , discipline and determination of a champion like Usain bolt, we can win different competitions and be better then ourselves of yesterday and do without technology.
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sports less fair because like for example from the video at the beginning that he uses his watch that tracks his heart rate, speed etc . So this technology has helped him to train like in timing himself and knowing other vitals. It helps in reducing cheat rates because it helps in the tracking of the athlete's activities.
However others might think that it improves in cheating but technology is improving and avoids cheating.
Thank you.