How come it seems as if every four years, during Olympic competition, more than a dozen world records are set in swimming events -- individual/relay/men/women -- yet, it has become almost impossible to set a world record -- individual/relay.men/women -- in a track & field event?
You would think that the same improved training/nutrition/conditioning that produces world records in the swimming pool on a regular basis would also produce world-record performances on the track.
World records yes; world records no
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One of the factors might be the technolgy. Every time there's a change in the suits it seems more records fall. I think that in some cases it is also technique in the water. There might be variables to adjust in the water than there are in resistance to air.
There is also the technology involved in the design of the pools and the design of the timing systems. The touch pads are way more sensitive than they used to be. I would imagine a "touch" is a more sensitive way to measure than the crossing of a line.
If you think about how a swimmer's body works through the water, it meets way less resistance than a runner who is straight up and down. And a lot has changed in the way they kick and use their arms in swimming over the years. All of it to maximize pull and eliminate resistance. SO I think Jim's "more variables to adjust" theory is correct.
OK. I'll buy that.
Regarding track, it was so much fun back in the day to watch the big track meets with many world-record opportunities. How many remember the magical USA-USSR dual track meets which were annual staples on TV? Track is a great TV sport because if you don't like what's on, there will be something different on in a matter of minutes. Yet, the drama of a world-record effort has been lost. I think that's one of the reasons track has died as a TV sport.
I do love a good track meet, but honestly I'll take a high school meet over any other. There you still see kids breaking school records at least. And they are doing it for the love of the sport, not for endorsements, money, etc.
I think a lot of sports lose their appeal for me once they reach the play for money stage.
While I still enjoy the Olympics, they are not the same to me as they were when I was younger.