The Real Science of Sport Podcast Chepng'etich's Marathon World Record Analysis: Too Good To Be True?
Oct 18, 2024
Ruth Chepng'etich's astonishing marathon world record raise eyebrows and suspicions. The impact of 'super shoes' on women's running performance compared to men is explored. Nutritional strategies and the science of pacing are examined, alongside the use of bicarbonate for endurance. Doping allegations cast a shadow over Kenyan athletics, prompting a discussion on trust and transparency in sports. Historical instances of performance skepticism, like Rosie Ruiz's infamous win, are revisited, highlighting the complexities of validating athletic achievements.
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Chepng'etich's Record Shocks World
- Ruth Chepng'etich dramatically improved the women's marathon world record, running 2:09:56 in Chicago.
- This time was nearly two minutes faster than the previous record, raising questions about the extraordinary performance.
World Record's Historical Ranking
- Chepng'etich's performance ranks as the third best running performance ever under athletic scoring tables.
- It is second only to some exceptional field event records from past decades, highlighting the run's magnitude.
Impact of Super Shoes on Times
- Introduction of super shoes in 2019 coincided with a surge in marathon performances.
- Advances in shoe design, including carbon plates and foam, likely contribute significantly to faster times.