Link: http://www.ted.com/talks/david_epstein_are_athletes_really_getting_faster_better_stronger
Author: David Epstein
Bio: David Epstein is an investigative reporter at ProPublica. He has also written a New York
Times Bestselling book, titled: The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance. This is directly related to this Ted Talk. He used to write as a senior writer for sports illustrated. He specializes in science issues in sports and investigative reporting. Mr. Epstein, is also famous for releasing the news that current Yankees' star Alex Rodriguez, tested positive for steroids in 2003. He graduated from Columbia University, and has a bachelor's degree in environmental science and astronomy, and a master's degree in environmental science and journalism.
Summary of Ted Talk
David Epstein talks about the increase in sporting achievements over the last few decades. But he thinks technology plays an important part in this rapid spike in records. He takes the example of the 100 meter dash. Jesse Owens won in 1936, when the Olympics took place in Nazi Germany. He compares Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt's 100 meter dash victory. Jesse Owens finished in 10.2 seconds, while Usain bolt finished in 9.77 seconds. When Bolt finished, Owens would still have 14 feet to go. He argues that we have not evolved into a different species in a century. He believes that all this change is due to the increased complexity of modern day technology combined with other deciding factors.
Why You Should Watch it
I think you should watch it because David Epstein really debunks common day myths in this Ted Talk. The three main points he mentioned were Technology; Training, mindset and drugs; and Gene pool and specified size. These three points help establish his opinion and further solidify where he stands in this argument.
In 1936, Jesse Owens ran on burned cinders. This material does not transfer your energy back to you, instead leaving you with less energy. But Jesse Owens ran on synthetic material, which transfers all your energy back to you, achieving maximum potential and speed.
Athletes' mindset about sports and competition has also changed dramatically. Sir Roger Bannister held the record for the fastest to run a mile. He used to train for 45 minutes at a time and drank rat poison and brandy, as his performance enhancing drugs. Nowadays, that is not a substantial record; college kids do it every year. The performance enhancing drugs have also improved dramatically. Athletes now use drugs that build muscle and provide short term boosts. An example would be steroids. This guy didn't even train for an hour at a time, while middle school volleyball teams probably have practices longer than that.
Different sports vary their ideal size. Basketball is a great example of desired size. Basketball player need to be abnormal. Not necessarily in a bad way. They need to have be Taller and stronger than your average Joe. They usually have huge hands, and shouldn't have much trouble at findings the rim from 3/4 court away. Basketball requires those sizes because, players need to muscle their way into he painted area, and even perimeter players need to have strength to make shots on a consistent bases. This wasn't always the case. In the mid 1900's the average body type was the best for all sports. Now the big athletes keep getting bigger and the smaller ones just got smaller.
In conclusion, I think you should watch this because this provides an insight into the reality of sports. It debunks many everyday myths created by people who have no knowledge on the subject. Humans are the same species they were 50 years ago, but now modern day technology has provided many influencing factors on the results of sports, and sporting achievements. In my opinion this a must watch for any sports fan or player.
David Epstein talks about the increase in sporting achievements over the last few decades. But he thinks technology plays an important part in this rapid spike in records. He takes the example of the 100 meter dash. Jesse Owens won in 1936, when the Olympics took place in Nazi Germany. He compares Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt's 100 meter dash victory. Jesse Owens finished in 10.2 seconds, while Usain bolt finished in 9.77 seconds. When Bolt finished, Owens would still have 14 feet to go. He argues that we have not evolved into a different species in a century. He believes that all this change is due to the increased complexity of modern day technology combined with other deciding factors.
Why You Should Watch it
I think you should watch it because David Epstein really debunks common day myths in this Ted Talk. The three main points he mentioned were Technology; Training, mindset and drugs; and Gene pool and specified size. These three points help establish his opinion and further solidify where he stands in this argument.
In 1936, Jesse Owens ran on burned cinders. This material does not transfer your energy back to you, instead leaving you with less energy. But Jesse Owens ran on synthetic material, which transfers all your energy back to you, achieving maximum potential and speed.
Athletes' mindset about sports and competition has also changed dramatically. Sir Roger Bannister held the record for the fastest to run a mile. He used to train for 45 minutes at a time and drank rat poison and brandy, as his performance enhancing drugs. Nowadays, that is not a substantial record; college kids do it every year. The performance enhancing drugs have also improved dramatically. Athletes now use drugs that build muscle and provide short term boosts. An example would be steroids. This guy didn't even train for an hour at a time, while middle school volleyball teams probably have practices longer than that.
Different sports vary their ideal size. Basketball is a great example of desired size. Basketball player need to be abnormal. Not necessarily in a bad way. They need to have be Taller and stronger than your average Joe. They usually have huge hands, and shouldn't have much trouble at findings the rim from 3/4 court away. Basketball requires those sizes because, players need to muscle their way into he painted area, and even perimeter players need to have strength to make shots on a consistent bases. This wasn't always the case. In the mid 1900's the average body type was the best for all sports. Now the big athletes keep getting bigger and the smaller ones just got smaller.
In conclusion, I think you should watch this because this provides an insight into the reality of sports. It debunks many everyday myths created by people who have no knowledge on the subject. Humans are the same species they were 50 years ago, but now modern day technology has provided many influencing factors on the results of sports, and sporting achievements. In my opinion this a must watch for any sports fan or player.
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