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 (21)
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.
I find it very interesting that you touched on shoes making him more comfortable. Can you elaborate on that please? Do you think technology might bring forward and enhance people's skills for example?
Thank you for your question,
For the first question ( the shoes ), as I said they are designed for long distance running. What I mean is that they don't hurt athletes while they are running, which makes them feel comfortable so they can run faster. If those shoes weren't designed for long distance running, runners would feel pain while running and slow down. So these shoes are just helping athletes run faster, forgetting about pain.
For the other question, I see that my answer would be YES, for instance, the smartwatch helps Michael see how fast he was, by this he can train on himself to be faster and faster. Pretty fabulous to use it to train on ourselves.
For a short answer, I see that the new sports technology is an amazing way to discover our own talents.
Thanks for reading ☺️
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 agree because injuries are caused by over strains on the body's muscles, but with the help of tech he can be able to monitor his body as he said to know if he is under or over straining himself and also with the help of his carbon shoes, he won't have to stress himself in the process of running as his shoes bounce him, making him more agile and faster instead of stressing the body allowing him to run more distances in faster times and with less stress.
THANK YOU
I agree with ethical_penguin because just like Michael Clark said his smartwatch will protect you from injuries, strains and also help measure how fast you can go in a second. This will make you improve on your running skills. Another reason is his carbon shoes which wouldn't stress him like other shoes ,it makes him faster and lighter and as a result, he accomplished more.
As a matter of fact some of us think tech is cheating but it improves human abilities to achieve more with less effort.
1.It improves skills
2.It supports human abilities
3. It protects vital body parts
4. and it could help you succeed.
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.
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes sport less fair, because after all, it's still the athlete running. The shoes, for example, are only helping, not making the feet move. Even if the process of running is made easier, this sport is still going to be tough. I would like to add that an untrained person who puts on a pair of running shoes will not be able to run a marathon, because it's the practice and the experience that matter most. This means that sports tech does not equal cheating. I actually think having access to this kind of new invention is the perfect opportunity to make sure athletes perform safely, without pushing so much past their limit that after the competition they have to give up competitive sport completely. I believe it is time people start prioritizing health over anything else and not call it unfair.
A friend of mine likes running, but can't do it in normal footwear, because of a previous injury. Special running shoes and gadgets like electronic watches offer him the chance to do what he enjoys and even enter competitions. This most certainly does place him on the podium of every race he enters. No, it simply allows him to do what makes him happy. I think people should be allowed to take advantage of technology when it does them good, not harm.
I agree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sports less fair. My reasons been that;
Firstly, financial division. Technological equipment are quite expensive nowadays but nevertheless, some wealthier teams or countries which can afford such tech, now purchase such equipment which makes it seem like better and higher technology, not just skills alone, can lead to victory. Which on the other hand, is less fair to other teams which cannot afford such equipments.
Secondly, we have technological fraud. Some new innovations and inventions like the carbon plated shoes, digital trackers and so on... based on michael`s examples, can give an unfair advantage over competitors who do not have access or cannot afford such equipments.
My last point would be over reliance on technological equipments. Extreme focus on data driven technological equipments may overtime, affect the performance of human skills and initiatives. Modern sports would likely become more predictable.
All this from my point of view, makes access to sports technology unfair to modern sports.
Hello, I'd like to say that technology, in the running sector, is fine when you are using it to record and improve your general body holdup during a competition, which seems to be fine, especially when it improves safety off and on the track, by recording his sleep, VO2 max, and other essentials as a pro runner to see whether he is capable to run or train at any given time or not, technology in this aspect seems to be very helpful if you think about it, because his watch can help him possibly avoid a heart fault or fatigue warning, these details can save a life. If you are talking about his shoes, then, well, they seem to improve comfort and performance on the track. Research says carbon-plated shoes actually do tend to make you faster, but this sort of equipment in this era should be vital for maximum performance. You could agree with one that not everyone has access to these shoes, but carbon-plated shoes do not overpower human strength and effort. A lot of constant training and effort will bring out the best of your human activity, so that is what I have to say.
i agree access to better advanced technology in competitions is a fair advantage, as long as their accessible to the public and legal there isn't a problem. Like his carbon padded shoes they don't make him run faster they just give him added advantage, another reason is that these could be easily accessed still using the shoes as an example. But however others may still argue that they are not being utilised majorly in the competition giving him an unfair advantage.
Michael uses various modern sports technologies that provide real time data and analytics to optimize his training and performance. tools can help make data, improve technique and prevents injuries
I truly agree with that statement, however it’s missing more things that backs up your statement, can you elaborate more on different examples, and how the other side might argue?
I truly agree with that statement, however it’s missing more things that backs up your statement, can you elaborate more on different examples, and how the other side might argue?
I disagree that access to advanced sport technology makes modern sport less fair because, in Michael's case, the technology he uses mainly supports training rather than replacing talent or effort. For example, his running watch helps him monitor his heart rate and pace, which allows him to train smarter, avoid injury and understand his body better. This does not make him better runner on its own; it simply helps him make better decisions during training.
Another reason for my view is shoe technology. Michael explains that his shoes is designed to help him run faster and more efficiently, but they still require strength, endurance and discipline to be effective. The shoes cannot run the race for him; they only enhance the performance of an athlete who is already well- trained.
However, others might argue that advanced technology can make sport less fair if only some athletes can afford or access it. From this point of view, expensive shoes or high-tech devices could create an advantage that is not based purely on ability, which raises concerns about fairness in competition.
That was well thought and I agree with you. People think it might not be fair, but it actually ensures the safety of the athletes and helps them improve their strength and ability to train to become better.
I agree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair because not every athlete can use the same devices. I read that the smart sensor training suits are really helpful for training because they measure everything like smart watches and in addition, they could be used everywhere unlike the watches that may disfunction if faced water. They also give feedback to coaches about exactly how they athlete run so that they can improve themselves. Although it isn't the technology that get the medal it is the athlete that does but still this equipment help a lot and help them train smarter. They also cost too much money making it hard for everyone to get and many other equipment that people use and gives them much advantage than others making things less fair.
Tell me what do you think
I would say that I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sports less fair because shoes for running and watch to track your daily activities don't influence on your head to run faster than everyone and also they are accessible to everyone. You don't cheat because you have some of that tehnology because no one said that rule. Game wouldn't be fair if the runner go to some shorter trail and be on finish a lot earlier than everyone.
I am personally a bad runner and I hate it. If I start running a marathon I think I would give up after 5 minutes. I wouldn't say that I am bad in sports and that I hate running because I don't like physical activities, I just think that more important thing than access to advance sports tehnology is how your thinking and what is in your head like you mean. I don't say that those shoes and watch that Michael mentioned don't help with better running I just thing that there are a lot more than just that. Do you guys have some tips how to love running?
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair because, by utilizing his tech watch and carbon plated shoes, he can track his splits, his pace, and the distance covered along with comfortable shoes without increasing the chances of getting injured. Those running technology is now widely available to most athletes, not just elite ones. Another reason for my view is that technology helps keep athletes safer by reducing injuries, things like improved cushioning on the shoes or data tracking watches helps runners train smarter, less injuries means a better chance for the athletes to improve. New advanced technologies can hugely influence on how the sport can grow further in the future. However, other people can argue that some athletes can’t afford the newer models of tech, which gives a performance advantage to the richer runners.
I neither disagree nor agree that access to advanced sport technology makes sport less fair because, for me, it's not about the technology you have; it's about how you use it. Take the carbon-plated shoe that David mentioned; it's okay to have a shoe that is cushioned and saves your energy for long-distance running, but what about in sports like basketball, where people have been caught adding springs to the soles of their shoes to increase their jump height?. This makes the game totally unfair to those playing fair. So technology can be a tool for betterment or an aid for for cheating.
I agree that access to advance sports technology makes modern sports less fair because, not everyone has access to the same level of sports technology and the fact that some people have that access can make it unfair because as Michael said whether or not you have a comfortable shoe with a carbon plate can determine a great amount of your race. Another reason for my view is you can see if you're fatigued from the night before with the watch.This is really important as you don't want to be overdoing yourself on a run .As well as that you can see if you need to slightly change your training plan to fit the training that you need to do to prepare you for your next race. However others might argue that whether you have a comfortable shoe, or a garment watch does not really matter because overall it is just your talent that is going to matter during the race and raw talent will always beat the technology.
I agree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair because teams don't always have the money to buy such gear while some other teams can buy all they need However, others might argue that teams need gear even though others don't but in my opinion (not saying this is thought by other people) at least every team should have at least one piece of gear i don't say this is fair more but it should help if it were to happen.
I disagree that access to advanced sports technology makes modern sport less fair because it often helps athletes optimize their own performance and safety, as seen with Michael using a watch to track his sleep, distance, and speed. Another reason for my view is that specialized shoe technology can improve comfort and reduce injury risk. However, others might argue that this technology creates an unfair advantage for wealthier athletes or teams who can afford better equipment, or that it creates an over-dependence on data rather than human skill.