Looking at sports highlights this afternoon, I noticed that everything is faster. Misieroski for the Milwaukee Brewers; UNC lacrosse in the tournament (movement, reflexes, shots - all a little faster than even a few years ago); and T&F has all sorts of records this year, with Cooper Lutkenhaus, Quincy Wilson, and Sam Ruthe still in high school but coming close to world records already.
It's film and coaching. Better equipment is part of it, but breaking down movement to hundredths of a second and a generation's worth of practice putting that knowledge into the relevant motions pays off. Identifying talent and teaching them better habits early is the real deal.
But check out F1!
ReplyDeleteAre they going faster these days? That does sound like equipment.
ReplyDeleteIt’s early in the 2026 season and the lap times aren’t dramatically different so far. And you’re correct that the main issue is equipment.
ReplyDeleteThe secondary issue is the driver’s response to the equipment changes.
F1’s commitment to reducing emissions led to mandatory hybrid electric engines this season. A hybrid drives differently than an internal combustion engine, particularly when racing, and has resulted in concerns from many of the drivers that the acceleration/braking/regenerating cycle is dangerous.
Check out any of the numerous from drivers, including four-time World champion Max Verstappen.