Why is it easier now for athletes to break the world record in 100M sprinting than it's ever been in the past?

Question

It used to take at least a decade to shave off a 10th of second from the world record. Then in 60's through the 80's it got a lot harder to break the record. Now they're back up to shaving off 10ths of a second per decade and even surpassing that rate. Shouldn't it have been easier to shave off time when records were first recorded (1912), when participation was lower and athletics wasn't what it is now? What's up? Why is it so easy now--where a man can ease up and celebrate before the finish line and still shatter the world record?

Answer 1

Because of doping? or diet?

Answer 2

perhaps technology plays a part, it has advanced so considerably in the last two decades, and with it the ability to analyse, slow motion replays able to analyse every nuance of every movement and having done so able to focus on ways to improve.. along with a greater understanding of diets, training, apparel (as in swimming), increased funding for training programmes, earlier selection for apparent talent...as the world becomes increasingly competitive etc... but I do wonder at what point it will flatten out

Answer 3

harder/better training.

Answer 4

I'd imagine it's easier for records to be broken BECAUSE participation is so much higher now. In 1912, there was a fraction of the number of elite sprinters as there are now. Doping may have some part, mostly I think it's because there are many more athletes and they are always breaking records.  

Answer 5

Harder training, more knowledge, better facilities.

Answer 6

Because of diet, hard work/ training & alot of perseverance.. don't talk bout no doping.. unno too brite.. you guyz must be talking the americans.. but we Jamaicans we don't deal with those things roun here.. we prefer to know that we win our races honestly than to win it by doping or otherwise..

Answer 7

They are breaking records because they are using drugs and supplements that have not been banned yet.  It isn't normal what these athletes do.  Just think about the 9.69 seconds in the 100 meter race that was achieved.  That is like more than 10 meters per 1 second! Could anyone do that without taking special drugs? I think not.

Answer 8

because George Bush is president, and I love him.

Answer 9

Because our genetic makeup is currently in the process of mutating...or adapting as some would call it