We have synthetic tracks in controlled environments. Carbon fiber poles and foam pits. Javelin that were modified to reduce risk of injury/death to bystanders. Better starting blocks. And shoes that propel inferior athletes faster than superior athletes from just a couple seasons ago.
With the shoes in particular, its hard to get my head around these early season times on the track and road to make sense of a new "normal". Its hard to get excited about records. I need more time, no pun intended. Watching Bjorg, McEnroe an Connors use tiny rackets vs the larger carbon version or golf club evolution has not impacted me nearly as much.
So....what about Shot Put and discus? Besides spin vs glide technique (similar to western roll vs flop), what possible innovations are ahead for these events? Do the throwers even want any changes? I guess hammer could add a couple inches to the cable but then the same problem with earlier javelin issues. Discuss to follow.
What ideas do you have for modifying the shot put implement without changing weight or grip that would have a performance impact equivalent to surfaces, carbon fiber poles or kangaroo shoes?