I’m Joining the Olympics Debate
Author: jak (add to friends)Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: davidr [Member] · http://www.freewebs.com/dwrob/
It's a moot point, Jean. There is an argument that Phelps managed to win 8 golds because he was helped by the swimming suit, and that cycling did so well because of the design and construction of the bicycles.
My own POV on this is: would this technology help design shoes that help with my knees (and corns). If so, then I'm all for it. Otherwise, we're simply keeping pace with the rest of the athletics world.
Maybe I'll post a counter-argument and then we can start a proper flame on the blogs. :-)
My own POV on this is: would this technology help design shoes that help with my knees (and corns). If so, then I'm all for it. Otherwise, we're simply keeping pace with the rest of the athletics world.
Maybe I'll post a counter-argument and then we can start a proper flame on the blogs. :-)
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21/08/08 @ 10:06
Comment from: greenygrey [Member] 
· http://www.greenygrey.co.uk
· http://www.greenygrey.co.uk
I know what you mean Jak. Ideally, I think all competitors should use the sam quality equipment, but with vehicles like bikes, or boats, they might break down during the competition anyway, and then there would have to be run-offs until all the equipment worked properly.
I think some competitors, like Bolt, who didn't even use the hi-tech equipment and ran with his laces undone, make the equipment irrelevent, but in some closer races it might be vital.
Still, not letting that get in the way of loving the success of team GB!
I think some competitors, like Bolt, who didn't even use the hi-tech equipment and ran with his laces undone, make the equipment irrelevent, but in some closer races it might be vital.
Still, not letting that get in the way of loving the success of team GB!
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21/08/08 @ 10:15
Comment from: bob scotney [Member]
Jean, it wasn't just Phelps who won wearing that type of suit. Most, if not all, the medal winners did.
If we followed this argument completely there would be no synthetic tracks and the pole vaulters would still have wooden poles.
It not just Olympic sports that have equipment designed to help players perform better. If my golf clubs are anything to go by the person using the equipment has to perform as well.
If we followed this argument completely there would be no synthetic tracks and the pole vaulters would still have wooden poles.
It not just Olympic sports that have equipment designed to help players perform better. If my golf clubs are anything to go by the person using the equipment has to perform as well.
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21/08/08 @ 12:55
Comment from: linda d [Member] · http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/linda
· http://www.writelink.co.uk/blogs/linda
I get East Midlands local TV and they've been reporting on all the latest sports research being carried out at Loughborough university and the 'superbikes' that were designed and hand built at great cost. The original bikes were so light they had to add bits of metal to them to reach the minimum weight laid down by Olympic rules.
Of course the bikes were only a part of it and the cyclists worked incredibly hard to achieve their success. But knowing you are working with the best possible equipment must give you a psychological boost.
There must be talented cyclists in 3rd world countries who can only dream of such machines.
Of course the bikes were only a part of it and the cyclists worked incredibly hard to achieve their success. But knowing you are working with the best possible equipment must give you a psychological boost.
There must be talented cyclists in 3rd world countries who can only dream of such machines.
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21/08/08 @ 13:12
Comment from: jak [Member] · jakill-jeansmusings.blogspot.com
I guess it would all be fair if the technical developments were made available to all countries so they could choose whether or not to use them. I assume that doesn't apply in the case of the shoes, but I don't really know.
Not sure what I think about the bikes. And what about boats? As someone else said, we could take this debate on and on.
Not sure what I think about the bikes. And what about boats? As someone else said, we could take this debate on and on.
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21/08/08 @ 14:44
Comment from: sue kendrick [Member] · http://www.suekendrick.co.uk
· http://www.suekendrick.co.uk
When you come down to it, it isn't really a fair world is it? It's human nature to try and out do a competitor, whether is by training more or by better shoes.
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21/08/08 @ 16:02
Comment from: tbelshaw [Member]
Do we make all the athletes run on a muddy grass track in 1930's style plimsoles? :)
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21/08/08 @ 21:06
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
What gets me is the amount of money they reckon it cost! I'm sure it could be better used helping people who really need special shoes, to help with disabilities and the like.
I wonder how long the insoles last? imagine what they must smell like at the end of the race!
I wonder how long the insoles last? imagine what they must smell like at the end of the race!
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21/08/08 @ 21:18
Comment from: gillyflower [Member]
I'm commenting a little late I know, but couldn't agree with you more. While I chose to boycott the Games for reasons of human rights issues, I find it completely obscene that western nations commit so much money to sport. And all for another shiny medal. Oz is one of the worst offenders, but I am so pleased the Brits beat 'em. But the whingeing has already started of course. More $$$ are needed for sport, to the exclusion of anything else. Ridiculous.
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31/08/08 @ 07:35
Comment from: jak [Member] · jakill-jeansmusings.blogspot.com
Actually, I think it's about more than just the medals. It's about a country's morale. An awful lot of patriotism comes out of the woodwork when ever there is a major international sporting event.
But there certainly isn't a level playing field. And there are so many other deserving causes for the money. Sadly, you could always say that whatever it was spent on.
Sarah - the insoles were just used for the research to decide what is needed for these hi-tech shoes. I daresay they will get pongy too - and cost a bomb - and not be used for long.
But there certainly isn't a level playing field. And there are so many other deserving causes for the money. Sadly, you could always say that whatever it was spent on.
Sarah - the insoles were just used for the research to decide what is needed for these hi-tech shoes. I daresay they will get pongy too - and cost a bomb - and not be used for long.
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31/08/08 @ 12:44