dumb people wrote:
The time on the clock does not lie. The factors you listed can take off maybe .05 at BEST (in the 100m). This isn't swimming where new speedsuits can allow an average guy to break a once world record.
"maybe .05" That's rather vague. The point is there isn't an scientific formula that can give a time conversion for things like improved shoes, tracks, training etc. How do you know which athletes setting records these days are clean? Did they know the benefits of altitude training for distance runners in the 1940's and 50's?
There are so many variables that have to be considered when comparing just time. As I said earlier, your philosophy implies that all current WR holders are the best ever in their event because they are the fastest. You're entitled to that opinion, but I and I'm sure the majority, disagree.
Tyson Gay is better than Carl Lewis because of the time on the clock (and also consistency) not because of medals. Let me rephrase that. Tyson Gay is FASTER than Carl Lewis and anyone who disputes that is an idiot.
That's the beauty of running-unlike other sports like basketball or football where the great teams of the past CAN'T go against the teams of the present- in running you can compare the times of the past to those in the present and make a decision.
I have no idea how you are comparing Craig Pickering to Jesse owens when Owens ran 100yards not meters. Sorry, not applicable.
Nonsense. Owens ran 100yards and 100m. He set the WR for 100m in Chicago 1936 with a hand timed 10.2 That's worth about 10.32-10.35 had they had electronic timing. Now, lets take Craig Pickering (10.14) or even better, Jason Gardener (9.98). The latter is clearly 3 or 4 tenths faster than Owens, but who do you think will be remembered the longest. And how many experts would say Gardener is better because he ran faster? Very few.
I have no problem with t he idea that a WR is better than an Olympic gold; I'm split on that one myself, but I totally disagree that an athlete who sets a WR must be better than all that preceded him/her as they are faster.