Are tech-driven records as meaningful?
Discussion statements | This is for ages 14 to 16
Technology has changed how athletes train, prepare and compete, from advanced equipment to data-led coaching.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement below? Explain why.
"New equipment and training technology help athletes break records, which makes new sporting records less impressive."
Tell us what you think
You might want to structure your response like this:
I [agree/disagree] with this statement because [your reason]. Another reason for my view is [a second reason or example]. However, others might feel that [an opposite view].
Have a look at what other Topical Talkers have to say, tell them whether you agree or disagree with their views.
Comments (3)
I very much disagree with this statement. I believe that using new equipment and training technology to break records is also an impressive feat. I understand that some people may think that it is unfair for the previous athletes who set their records who didn't have equipment as advanced as today. But this doesn't mean those records set by athletes using modern technology is not as impressive.
Using technology for training doesn't mean the athletes don't have to work as hard as before. The modern tools is just there to push the athletes' limits and to reach a higher athletic ability. If a professional ski jumper used sensors to monitor data from their muscles and use that data to make a more effective training routine does that mean the ski jumper can instantly jump further? No, they would have to keep training and building their athletic ability using the data and assistance provided by the sensors. And that still takes a lot of time and effort to succeed.
Most training technology is to maximize the effect from an athlete's training so that the athlete can reach a higher level or achievement. More modern sports equipment can lower the chance of danger or injury pushing the athlete to go further in their athletic ability.
Records are set to be broken. If you set a record and nobody expects it to be broken, then what is the purpose. Athletes always work to push themselves above the other athletes and the new tool for doing that can be technology. So if a human can use technology to upgrade their physical ability and break new records, that is still very impressive.
I agree with tis statement as well, technology has made a great advancement in the world of sport today, it has brought wearable sensors and GPS trackers for coaches to see the state of their athletes(like heartrate, stress and fatigue), it has also brought VR experiences for athletes to train in a simulated world so that they may see what they can expect during the game, it can also prepare them mentally for what may happen, and some equipment they use an even locate areas of possible injuries, tat is why AI and technology has really improved the world today, not just in sports but in multiple aspects.
I disagree with this statement because, in my personal view, breaking records was influenced by the way people strove and worked hard to reach those feats and break the records.
And the happiness when those records were broken has been interfered with due to the use of technology.
Others may disagree because that was a lot of stress.
I do not agree with the view that new technology and training equipment make new records. Records are still set through hard work, discipline, and talent. The problem is in the area of fairness. If technology is not used equally or openly, it can lead to an unfair advantage. For instance, if two people have the same strength and talent, but one of them uses hidden or advanced technology that gives them an edge, it may not be detected by the judges. This can lead to unfair marking and penalize the honest player. In this case, it is not the record that becomes less impressive, but the sport itself. Technology that affects fair play can also mar game strategy and the spirit of sportsmanship.