NY Times · Jul 26, 2022
Are Runners Getting Faster, Faster?
Sydney McLaughlin shattered another one of her own world records at the world championships.Credit...Kai Pfaffenbach/ReutersThe highlight of the track and field world championships, which wrapped up in Eugene, Ore., on Sunday, was undoubtedly Sydney McLaughlin’s shattering her own world record, and the rest of the field, in the 400-meter hurdles. It was a record set in dominant fashion, the type of performance fans watch sports for but rarely actually get to see.
World-class runners compete on two different planes simultaneously. They are trying to beat one another, but they are also chasing ghosts and trying to run faster than anyone ever has before.