In the world of sports we use the phrase “it’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian” to refer to the fact that the body is above the bike, the shoes or the technology we use. But how much of an advantage is there in the elements we wear? We will give four examples where the famous “marginal gains” make the difference in physical activity.

1. The miracle of the cleats

While the term “marginal gains” was popularised in cycling by Team Sky (now Ineos), it is worth taking a trip back in time to recall an episode in football that demonstrates the relevance of sports equipment in the outcome.

Hungary arrived at the 1954 World Cup as the favourites to win the title, beating Uruguay (the reigning champions), Brazil and the then modest West Germany. The latter team faced the Hungarians in the group stage and ended up losing 8-3.

Source: Milenio.com

To cut a long story short, these two teams met in the final. And, against all odds, the Germans lifted the cup after winning the match 3-2. Legend has it that, before the World Cup, Adi Dassler (founder of ADIDAS) suggested to the German team's coach that they use new boots to replace the ones that were used at that time, made of wood and with high studs to have a better grip on the field. Legend also has it that it rained that day and that a good part of the difference was made by the winners having a better grip on the field in the slippery Swiss stadium located in the stadium where the "Miracle of Bern" was witnessed.

2. Olympic shark

In Beijing 2008 Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals and during that time more than 60 world swimming records were broken. What was the secret?

In addition to the undoubted physical ability of this American swimmer, his success, and that of other athletes, is attributed to the use of the famous LZR Racer suits. A garment that Speedo made with NASA and that simulates shark skin, allowing for better performance in the water, adapting perfectly to the body and providing a better position when executing the swimming technique.

Photo: AP

In 2010, the International Swimming Federation banned these types of suits in official competitions. To date, clothing brands continue to try to introduce high technology into competitions without incurring in the “technological doping” that these shark suits were accused of.

3. The sky was the limit

Sky, the most economically powerful cycling team in the world, was responsible for popularizing the term marginal gains. This British team brought Wiggins and Froome to the top with the help of their talent and more than 80 engineers and scientists who put their knowledge at the service of the sport. The philosophy of this team is to improve 1% in all possible aspects in order to obtain better results. This is how they managed to reduce the weight of some bicycle components, optimize the cyclists' nutrition and make use of training methodologies with cutting-edge technology.

Photo: The Turbine

An example of this is the “turbine”. A ring-shaped device that dilates the nostrils and allows for better air circulation. The manufacturer of this component claims that this allows the athlete to develop 6% more power during the race.

4. The flying sneakers

Running fans witnessed on screen how in October 2019 Eliud Kipchoge crossed a barrier that had previously elusive for long-distance runners: he managed to complete the marathon distance in less than two hours. This means that  He ran at an average of 2:50 per kilometer to reach the finish line.

Photo: AS

The protagonists of this story are the controversial Nike Vaporfly Next%. Its internal components have been proven to allow up to 4% faster performance on asphalt. The combination of foam, lightweight fabrics on the upper, lateral air chambers and an internal carbon plate are the perfect formula that allows runners to run faster.

For example, at the last edition of the London Marathon these shoes reigned in the first places in the men's and women's categories over other powerful brands that were also present at this event.

For the time being, the record set by the Kenyan was not approved by the highest authority in athletics, citing, among other reasons, the help that this shoe could provide, which until then was only used by that runner. Now that it is a commercially available shoe, records continue to be broken thanks to its technology, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the world of athletics.

In conclusion, a lighter bike, shoes with a higher development, smart fabrics or a more controlled diet can be a better arrow for the Indian to advance faster on the road, track or water.

What technology do you use to support your sports results?

Cristian Marín – Alternating Current.