Discuss how modern technology aids an athlete's preparation for competition

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Discuss how modern technology aids an athlete’s preparation for competition

Modern technology has become increasingly involved and important in preparing an athlete for competition. New machines and facilities are constantly being developed in order to make sure that athletes have the best possible advantage over other athletes. This can be in terms of using state of the art gym equipment, training at the most advanced facilities, having access to hypoxic tents and other such equipment or resources that allow coaches and athletes to analyse their own performance. It can be argued that modern technology has both positive and negative consequences for sport and athletes.

One of the ways in which athletes have benefited from modern technology is by the specific feedback they can now have regarding their performance. For example, underwater cameras have been developed for swimming, which allows the swimmers’ every stroke to be watched and analysed from under the water, and from this feedback can be given by the coach and swimmer themselves about how to improve and make their stroke even more effective. However, it can be argued that these cameras shouldn’t be used as they can be dangerous; in the 2004 Olympics, Sarah Price badly hurt her leg due to getting it caught on an underwater camera during warm up. Furthermore, there are also issues with grants given. Many small swimming clubs would be unable to afford to buy the underwater cameras, because they are very expensive – this would mean more government money has to go into buying this equipment. Many people argue that this money could go to better use. On the other hand, it can be argued that it is investment; putting money into sport means getting money out when athletes win international competitions. Computers are now able to simulate a player’s performance and virtual models can be created in order for technique to be further analysed. For example, in sprinting, a computer simulation can be used to get optimum body position so the runner can be as efficient as possible in competition. It is also helpful for rowers who can simulate the race before doing it, thus preparing them for the competition. However, it can be argued that this is unfair on poorer countries; this equipment is very expensive and so only rich countries would be able to afford it. Therefore, some countries would be put at a disadvantage in global events and sport could become about which country has the most money in order to help their athletes improve, rather than who is the best athlete.

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Alongside advances in feedback and analysing performance are advances in facilities and equipment available to athletes. Scientists can now recreate a training environment, which means that the athlete doesn’t have to travel anywhere. For example, before running in the marathon, Paula Radcliffe lived in a hypoxic tent for two weeks. This raised her red blood cell count and enabled more oxygen to travel around her body, thus improving her performance and preparing her for the competition. This is similar to altitude training, in which an athlete trains at a high altitude in order to increase the number of red blood ...

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A very strong piece of work with clear research and practical applications to current technological advance.