Conversation

In mid-20th Century, assumption was there was a single optimal physique for Olympics. Now, as understanding has advanced, bodies are hyper-specialized for sport-specific niches, leading to a “big bang in body types.” Put another way, one element of US success at Olympics is that our diversity is literally a form of strength. https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/big-bang-of-body-types-sports-science-at-the-olympics-and-beyond/