How can technological choices impact which athletes are successful?

Technological innovation, in general, contributes to greater diversity in sports. Different designs and materials allow different athletes to express their athletic talents. Lighter and stronger materials, in tennis rackets have, for example brought the women’s game into prime time. These stronger and lighter rackets have a larger Sweet Spot, can be swung with greater Velocity, and thus have decreased the importance of sheer power. Moving the center of gravity on the javelin minimized the importance of sheer power and brought success to the more technique oriented athletes. In rowing, the sliding seat changed the physical demands of the athletes and the type of athlete who succeeded

      • Javelin Center of Gravity
      • Sliding Rigger in rowing