Question

In the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Ashton Eaton (from the United States) won a gold medal in the decathlon, which requires athletes to compete in 10 different track and field events. In one of these events Eaton ran a 100 -meter race in 10.46 seconds. In a separate event, Usain Bolt (from Jamaica) won a gold medal by running 100 meters in 9.81 seconds. a. Which performance-Eaton's or Bolt's-is better explained by the concept of comparative advantage? Briefly explain. b. Based on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, can we say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete? Briefly explain.

Short answer

Part a) The concept of comparative advantage better explains Usain Bolt's performance as he ran the 100-meter race more efficiently (faster) than Ashton Eaton. b) We can't definitively say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete based solely on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games as both athletes excelled in different disciplines.

Step-by-step solution

Comparative Advantage

Comparative advantage is the ability to carry out a particular activity more efficiently than another activity. The performance of Ashton Eaton and Usain Bolt in the 100-meter race can be compared to determine who has a comparative advantage. Since Usain Bolt ran the 100-meter race in 9.81 seconds, compared to Ashton Eaton's 10.46 seconds, Usain Bolt has a comparative advantage in this event as he can run it more efficiently (faster).

Overall Athletic Performance

To determine the better athlete, we need to compare not just one, but a range of events. The decathlon encompasses 10 different track and field events and requires versatility and a wide skill set, requiring Ashton Eaton to compete in such diverse events as running, jumping and throwing. This means that Eaton's gold medal in the decathlon demonstrates an overall athletic ability across a variety of disciplines. Meanwhile, Usain Bolt's gold medal showcases incredible speed but over a single discipline. Therefore, we cannot definitively say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete based solely on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games because they excelled in different areas.

Key concepts

Decathlon

The decathlon is a rigorous athletic competition that consists of ten track and field events. Competitors participate in a variety of disciplines such as sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws. This structure tests a wide breadth of athletic skills and not just proficiency in one specific activity.

Understanding the decathlon starts with recognizing its dual demand for both physical and mental endurance. Athletes must possess speed for sprinting, agility for hurdles, and strength for field events. Importantly, they also need strategic thinking to pace themselves across varied events:

• 100-meter race: tests short-distance speed.
• Long jump: combines speed and technique.
• Shot put: requires explosive power.
• High jump: involves technique and agility.
• 400-meter run: tests endurance and speed.
• 110-meter hurdles: demands agility and coordination.
• Discus throw: requires technique and power.
• Pole vault: combines technique, speed, and flexibility.
• Javelin throw: tests technique and strength.
• 1500-meter race: highlights endurance and strategic pacing.

Success in the decathlon means mastering all of these areas, rather than specializing in one. It's a true test of overall athletic versatility and capability.

Overall Athletic Performance

Overall athletic performance is a broad measure of an athlete's capabilities across different types of sports or events. In the context of athletics, this term captures not only a person's speed or strength but also their adaptability and skill across a wide variety of physical challenges.

Ashton Eaton's performance in the decathlon is a prime example of a significant overall athletic performance. Winning a gold medal in the decathlon highlights an athlete's proficiency across ten diverse disciplines, showcasing versatility in speed, endurance, power, and technique. It reflects a balance between these skills rather than exceeding in just one,

taking into account factors such as:

• Versatility: Can the athlete perform well in various tasks?
• Endurance: How well does the athlete maintain performance over multiple events?
• Technique: Do they have the skill and discipline required for technical events?

Comparatively, Usain Bolt's prowess is in his unparalleled speed, particularly in the 100 and 200-meter sprints. While he may be the fastest sprinter, overall athletic performance wasn't his focus, whereas for Eaton, mastering a wide set of skills was key.

Athletic Versatility

Athletic versatility refers to an athlete's ability to perform well across a range of sports or physical activities. This concept is crucial in competitions like the decathlon, where success depends on one's performance in multiple events, each testing different aspects of athletic skill.

For Ashton Eaton, athletic versatility is demonstrated in his capability to excel in diverse events, from speed-based races to technical field events. This versatility allows him to adapt and perform across various conditions and requirements:

• Adaptability: Handling different physical demands, like transitioning from a 100-meter sprint to a long-distance 1500-meter race.
• Comprehensiveness: Being able to manage both track events (like hurdles) and field events (like pole vaulting).
• Flexibility: Effectively managing quick bursts of energy and maintaining endurance in longer events.

In contrast, specializing in a single area, as Usain Bolt does in sprinting, highlights his speed and efficiency but doesn’t showcase his range across different types of athletic challenges. Versatility showcases a broad skill set and adaptability, similar to other multi-sport achievements.