Why the debate about shoe technology needs to be put in a historical perspective
This was a different era and if friends wanted to congratulate me it was often by telegram. I am sure and readily concede that Elliott’s performance in Poland last week on a purpose-built track and in ideal conditions was not inhibited by the creativity and innovation amongst the technical teams of his sponsoring shoe company. But to lay it entirely at the door of technology is to focus on only one of many multi-faceted and interlocking factors that must all come together to run that quickly. I am sure his coach John Bigg would share this view.
I still marvel at Roger Bannister’s ability to run as quickly as he did when his training on tracks varied between rock hard and suet pudding, and in running spikes that weighed significantly more than the average pair of road shoes today.
For the very first time World Athletics has a system in place for assessing and regulating new elite athlete shoes. Should we have done this earlier? Probably. It wasn’t at the top of the in-tray of burning issues when I became president of World Athletics.
The work we have undertaken in this area is by no means complete but alongside our endeavours the discussion about technology needs to be proportionate and lent a historical perspective.
Gloss