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How is it physically possible to continue breaking sporting records?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

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🕒 09 Aug 2026 20:00

How is it physically possible to continue breaking sporting records?

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Obviously, progressions in sports clothing technology must make a small difference to the abilities of an athlete – but how on earth is it physically possible that we continue to break world records, year-on-year? Are humans really faster or stronger than they were decades ago? Jennifer Michaelson, Newlyn

Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday.

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