meets would be held using the restrictions governing basic shoes and equipment , with no stack height greater than say 20mm , totally flexible midsoles , and any extra control features incorporated into the removable inner soles , e . g . technology circa 2000 , or even before . World , national and meet records would only be recognised in such competition .
Does this mean the freaks can be overshadowed by ‘ normal people ’ who are better assisted by the performance enhancing technology ? This is where our simple sport , based on a self-explanatory principle of fastest , highest and furthest , becomes complicated , because we now have to define a level of technology . The primary split of views is that either the technology is embraced , but limited by rulings on stack height and number of plates , or we step back to a simpler more minimalistic life without technology .
Thus , if all shoes were simply worn to provide basic protection from stones , thorns or glass , and minimal cushioning to cater for running on harder surfaces such as tar or concrete , then we would be taking a step backwards in performance , but importantly , it would be human person against human person looking for the world ’ s best .
Which Raises Another Question
Of course , that sounds good in theory , but then purists will say we should go back to cinder athletics tracks , or even the rectangular stadium of Olympia in Greece . Where does one stop , or do we get rid of all advancements through the years ? Also , while changes to competition surfaces , or restrictions on javelin and discus weight and design are universal for all competitors , shoes are personal in size , style and now technology . we can virtually guarantee that somebody , somewhere will do this , including here in South African , where I feel that our past two generations have been conditioned to find a way around rules , instead of finding ways to work with or within them .
The Third Option
For me , a third and more appealing choice , is to develop a Best of the Best Formula 1 type programme , which would run concurrently with the concept of returning to basics in option one discussed above . The simple objective in this new discipline is to run the fastest , jump the highest , and throw or jump the longest , using both talent and technology . ( Keep in mind that I get excited by new concepts , hence this idea appeals to me .)
Each athlete can therefore use his / her chosen technology , but it must be declared and documented prior to the performance . The restrictions of health and safety , doping , as well as even opportunity of competition , are to be maintained , but technology , including nutrition and psychological training , and devices are allowed .
To be clear : The Olympic Games , World Championships , Diamond League and other top level
Meanwhile , the new , ‘ open ’ discipline would allow for individual racing or trials , or any other competitive format , that allows times and performances to be accurately measured , such as the sub-2-hour marathon trials that Eluid Kipchoge took part in . These stimulate the imagination and set new targets for human performance . They are also particularly suitable for this time of global viral concern , and offer massive flexibility in terms of venue , be it for track , field or road events .
A whole new additional interest level could be created around this new format of the sport , with broadcast coverage likely to attract a wider audience , not to mention the ‘ reality show ’ potential of the development and planning of such events . This was already seen with Kipchoge and the sub-2 initiative . This sort of new event with technology can take that same experience into all events – and shoes will be one of the catalysts , along with pacing lights , mind trainers and another forage into aerodynamic ‘ flo-jo ’ suits , etc .
Will Shoe Benefits Last ?
There is no question that many , even most , runners will benefit from simply slipping on a pair of plated running shoes . This is primarily due to the angled effect of improving running posture , which forces the use of the core . The more the core is worked , and the stronger it gets , the more your natural running style will evolve and improve , thus promoting the more efficient use of power . This will remove the myth that running is about putting one foot in front of the other , when it ’ s actually about pushing back to go forward .
In my opinion technology that advances the competitive environment equally , and particularly for health or safety reasons , can be adopted without negating the direct comparison of individual human performance . Cinder to synthetics tracks would be a good example , just as the redesign of javelin and poles in pole vault on grounds of safety would be others .
In contrast , technology that assists or advances one athlete ’ s ability over another is a different situation . A slightly more extreme example seen in recent years is the debate on how long a Paralympic sprinter ’ s orthotic replacement should be , because if they result in a disproportionate leg to body ratio , they will assist in performance . It ’ s a hard call , but nevertheless an important one to ensure fair competition .
As we have seen above , a full-on embrace of technology can lead to reckless , immoral manipulation of the technology . The biggest disappointment is that
Eliud Kipchoge breaks the two-hour mark in his specially designed Nikes
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