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> September 15, 2000
Hour One: Improving Athletic
Performance
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The summer Olympics kick off this weekend, bringing several weeks
of high-level athletic activity to the Sydney, Australia area.
Athletes around the world have been training for years to reach
the Olympics, trying to push themselves just a little harder,
faster, or higher.
But good genes and hard training aren't the only factors at work
in the pursuit of athletic excellence in Sydney. Inventors have
developed new materials, clothing, and products that give an edge
in competition, such as a new swimming suit modeled after sharkskin,
and ultra-aerodynamic bicycles.
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At the same time, doctors are closely monitoring the competitions to make
sure that no chemical aids to increasing performance, such as steroids
or blood dopants, will be used.
On this hour of Science Friday, we'll look at some of the factors that
go into athletic success. What are the ultimate limits on the performance
of the human body? Just how fast, high, or long can it go? We'll also
look at some ways to improve athletic performance -- legally or otherwise
-- including new technologies and performance-enhancing drugs.
Call in with your comments and questions. Our number is 1-800-989-8255.
Guests:
Nadine Gelberg
Director, Sports Research and Entertainment Practice
Harris Interactive
Rochester, New York
Charles Yesalis
Professor,
Exercise and Sport Science, and Health Policy and Administration
Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Frederick Hagerman
Chair, Sports Medicine Commission
International Federation of Rowing Associations
Physiologist, U.S. Rowing
Professor, Physiology
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
Sports
Technology Hotlist
International
Olympic Committee
USOC-Science.org
USNews:
100-mile races test the limits of human physiology (7/13/98)
Sportscience
ACSM: Limits to Sport Performance
AMERICAN
SOCIETY OF BIOMECHANICS
Geared
up like a space shot
Produced By: Karin Vergoth
Web Producer: Charles
Bergquist
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