hackertube.io

Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger? | David Epstein

TED · talk · Watch on YouTube

Sports & athleticsEvolution & genetics

What it is

David Epstein argues in this TED talk that improving athletic records owe much to technology, training and the selection of specialized body types, not just humans getting inherently better. He gives counter-intuitive examples across sports.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN links it in threads about athlete body types, sports technology and record-breaking as a relevant, counter-intuitive explanation.

  • 3 people recommended it
  • 3 different months
  • 1 strong recommendations
  • first 2014, last 2020

What HN commenters said

  1. “reminds me of a great TED talk about this”

    Argues athletes are not simply getting bigger and faster.

    nichochar, 2014-06 · Strong recommendation · in “NFL players: height and weight over time ”

  2. “Relevant TED talk”

    Pro athletes reflect selection of specialized bodies for each sport.

    code_sloth, 2019-11 · Recommendation · in “I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike”

  3. “I suggest you watch this TEDx for reference”

    Relevant to technology driving records in sport.

    aledalgrande, 2020-02 · Recommendation · in “How the Nike Vaporfly War Was Lost”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: athletic performance, genetics, ted talk, technology in sport, body selection

Also recommended by the same people