Technical advancements to setting world records
Posted September 8th, 2007 at 4:15 PM by Jimson Lee
Section: News & Results, Track & Field
I like to go back into history and determine what advancements or other factors led to new world records. For example, did athletes employ a new technique or strategy? Were there advancements in technology, running surface or venue? Consider the following observations:
The Triple Jump vs. Shot Put
If you go back nearly 100 years to 1911, the world record for Triple Jump and Shot Put was 15.52 and 15.54 meters (50′ 11″ & 50′ 11.75″) respectively. Today, they stand at 18.29 & 23.12 meters (60′ 0′ & 75′ 10″) respectively.
How can the comparable world records differ by nearly 16 feet over the last 100 years?
Easy, the shot put technique has undergone 2 major changes in the technical throws, with nearly everyone doing the spin technique similar to a discus thrower. You still have to hop, skip, and jump in the Triple Jump.
The same phenomenon can be seen with the High Jump. In 1978, the last straddler to set the world record was Vladimir Jashtshenko with a jump of 2.34m (7′ 8″) before floppers dominated the event.
Javelin (reverse world record)
In 1984, Uwe Hohn of GDR set the world record of 104.80 meters (343′ 9″). It was becoming increasingly dangerous to hold the event inside the stadium, so in 1986, they shortened the javelin and moved the center of gravity more towards the front, so it would nose dive and thus shorten the distance. However, it is not uncommon to see the hammer throw held outside the main stadium.
Then the WR “shrank” immediately to 85.74m (281′ 3″) by Klaus Tafelmeier in 1986.
Currently, the world record is 98.48m (323′ 1″) set by Jan Zelezny in 1996. It won’t be long before they surpass 100 meters and what are they going to do? Shorten the javelin again to a toothpick?
Pole Vault
This one is pretty obvious. The material of the pole, changing from bamboo, aluminum, steel and fibre glass has changed the event dramatically. Plus replacing the landing pit from a sandbox to foam cushions help vaulters land on their backs!
In 1904, the world record was 3.69m (12′ 1.25″). Today, it is 6.14m (20′ 1.5″) set by Sergey Bubka.
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
The one thing I noticed in recent years was some runners actually hurdle and clearing the water barrier, and not using one foot to step and push off the barrier. It was not uncommon to have one wet shoe and one dry shoe at the end of a steeplechase. I can’t say how much time they are saving or shaving, but considering the water pit is 12 feet in length, that’s a very long leap!
New Women’s events
On the women’s side, the pole vault, steeplechase and triple jump are relatively new events, so those world records are being shattered, and not by “slicing the bologna thin” as in the 100 meters progression. Then again, Yelena Isinbayeva does a good job “slicing the bologna thin” one centimeter a time for prize money.
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Tags: high jump, javelin, pole vault, running surface, shot put, steeplechase, T&F, technical advancements, technique, technology, track and field, triple jump, venue, world record, world records
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