Fair point. I guess there will always be these ou...

2008-09-29T17:57:44.602+02:00

Fair point. I guess there will always be these outliers, one in perhaps every two generations...

In the case of phelps, of course, his contribution has a much smaller relative effect on the USA's haul - take away 6 of his golds and they're still well clear of third on the table. SA is much more sensitive to outstanding performers.

I'd argue, as a South African, that pretty much all our success in the past has been the result of outstanding individuals, and not a system - you see this most clearly in Elana Meyer, who left a massive chasm in performance when she retired - she carried the sport alone and once gone, the second best athlete who inherited that mantle was very weak by global standards.

But you're absolutely right about the Paralympics - there are without doubt more multiple-medal winners in the Paralympic Games. In the Olympics, I think of Phelps, Bolt, the Scottish track cyclist (Chris Hoy) and one or two distance stars and swimmers. In the Paralympics, I can think of at least a dozen multiple medallists. I think that's likely a reflection on the competition depth and age, and also the way the classification system thins out the athletes, spreading more medals across smaller groups...

Thanks
Ross

In your analysis of both of the Olympics, I think ...

2008-09-29T17:50:59.312+02:00

In your analysis of both of the Olympics, I think you need to find a way to allow for those exceptional athletes that win many gold medals: e.g. Michael Phelps or Natalie du Toit. When these athletes retire (or are injured) they are unlikely to be replaced by athletes of similar calibre and a country's performance is highly sensitive to their contribution.

Perhaps, though I am just speculating, there are more super-performers in the Paralympics.

Comments on The Science of Sport: The Paralympics: What to make of it?

Fair point. I guess there will always be these ou...

In your analysis of both of the Olympics, I think ...