Human strength, talent and all out relentless training can take you so far, but it's the minute advances and changes in sports equipment that often drive achievement to the next level.
This is is perfectly demonstrated in the sport of gymnastics where floor routines 40 years ago were performed on a carpet with no springs and you had routines like this:
Fast forward to Beijing 2008 and we see a sprung floor. Gymnasts from the 1960's would have every right to say... isn't having springs under the carpet cheating?!, but I think everyone would agree the result of these springs has driven the sport to the very edge of what humans are capable of:
So is crazy-sticky climbing shoe rubber cheating or pushing the sport... if they can put springs under the carpet in gymnastics and advance the sport to the level it's at, then I say bring on the spiderman shoes!! Some of the really strong climbers I've seen could do incredible things with shoes that stick for even a fraction longer...
Good post! I'm open the progress that we're seeing with rock shoe rubber. Yes, the grip is phenomenal but we've made the decision to use rock shoes so it's now part of the sport.
ReplyDeleteGranted, there may be issues in the future if they come up with a way to wrap this around fingers (something I won't be keen on), but development in a sport is needed to keep up progress. Bring on more!
Neal your a bit behind... http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Accessories/Medical-Cosmetic/Finger-Tape/The-Finger-MAD-FINGR
ReplyDeleteI guess you are not going to add this to your list of climbing innovations
The advance in technology has broadened the spectrum of athletes. Improvements in safety standards, cost, and accessibility have allowed more people to take advantage of formerly exclusive sporting events.
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