Athletics

[Sexnotgender]

Can we discuss why the rush to legislate the use of the Nike running shoes? Surely we should just be kind and allow runners to use them if they feel like it?

I saw this story yesterday. The athletics authorities very worried about the potential advantage given by wearing springy trainers.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/51292147

From that article:

Against a backdrop of mounting debate and controversy, World Athletics must now make what is being seen as one of the most important decisions in the sport's history.

I can think of a more important decision they should be making😏

That wouid be the cycling solution, whereby best kit is a definite factor

Are there no restrictions on kit in cycling? No threshold at which you he can’t use equipment as it gives an advantage?

You're not allowed to enter a cycling race on a motorbike...

There are restrictions on swimsuits aren't there? That's probably a closer comparison. But, probably not exactly the point of the thread.

Well, maybe they're trying to get back to the original Olympic athletics. All male and naked.

Are there no restrictions on kit in cycling?

The cautionary tale of Graeme Obree

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeme_Obree#Old_Faithful_banned

The IAAF are currently hoping the Diack Scandal will go away. Anything to distract from what it reveals about their total capture by the Russian drug cheats and their industrial scale medal theft.

Are there no restrictions on kit in cycling? No threshold at which you he can’t use equipment as it gives an advantage?

There are MANY restrictions on cycling. There was/is a minimum weight for bikes for example, and some really arcane stuff around seat tube angles. Never mind the more obvious restrictions on motor-doping.

There are MANY restrictions on cycling.

I did wonder! It’s not a sport I’m particularly familiar with.

A certain sort of all body swim suits were banned about a decade ago. The greater buoyancy allowed swimmers to set all sorts of records. They were also very expensive, yet 9 year olds were turning up to galas wearing them.

Graeme Obree, amazing man shafted by the money men of the sport.

The running shoes supposedly give a 4% performance improvement over marathon distance.

The difference between the best ever male and best ever female marathon times is over 10%.

But sure, there’s no reason to ban males from female from competition, best ban the shoes though

I’m wondering, just musing out loud here.

If perhaps the issue is being addressed because it has potential to impact men’s sport?

I’m sure I’m way off base...

More details from BBC.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/51324991

World Athletics president Lord Coe said: "It is not our job to regulate the entire sports shoe market but it is our duty to preserve the integrity of elite competition by ensuring the shoes worn by elite athletes in competition do not offer any unfair assistance or advantage."

Yep. Shoes that give an advantage clearly a problem.
(I'm sure we can all see the elephant).

Maybe they should let female competitors wear the springy shoes, and the stunning and brave ones wear their bestest, sparkly lady high-heels.

That would be the obvious solution, Ibloodylove.

I loodylovewomen - now that might be fun to watch.

Watching the news on this yesterday and oh the irony.

Integrity of elite men’s competition I think Lord Coe meant to say.

There are restrictions on kit, but apparently none on tackle.

Some types of equipment more of a problem than others...

It says so much that they have acted quickly on this and banned shoes that they worry can give an advantage but the natural advantage of being born male vs female for elite athletes is not an issue. We must have a level playing field, except in the case of women.

Blackforest

Blackforest 😂😂

Do you think that one group of runners having, say, a much greater lung capacity and thicker bones and whatnot might affect performance a bit? Or should I return to the springy shoes?

Nah Durgasarrow I’m sure increased lung capacity, different bone structure, increased muscle mass, higher testosterone levels don’t confer any advantage at all. Best just focus on the shoes that are a bit too springy.