World Record or the gold medal?
Discussion
Watching the swimming and in the womens 200 m breast stroke, Denmark's Rikke Moller Pedersen broke the WR semis but failed to convert it to a win in the final, losing out to Russian Efimova. Neither coming in under WR.
This begs the question. Which would you rather have? Title of world champ for 2 years or the possibility of being known as the fastest ever for some undetermined amount of time?
This begs the question. Which would you rather have? Title of world champ for 2 years or the possibility of being known as the fastest ever for some undetermined amount of time?
clarkmagpie said:
London424 said:
Gold medal...that will never be taken away or replaced. Someone could break the record next week and no one will remember that in 10 years.
Yep, exactly that.WR record for me
seen a few events where people have won, and you know straight away it is underminded as commenst about other athletes not being there etc.
agree you can only beat who turns up against you to compete. but on occasions this may not be the other best in the world
where as a WR is directly related to all others past and present
again as mentioned this record may only last for minutes as others may beat it
but it also could last for years
how many gold medal winners are compared to those from the past, and arguements made that they are not as good
but a WR clearly states for that moment in time you have no equal
seen a few events where people have won, and you know straight away it is underminded as commenst about other athletes not being there etc.
agree you can only beat who turns up against you to compete. but on occasions this may not be the other best in the world
where as a WR is directly related to all others past and present
again as mentioned this record may only last for minutes as others may beat it
but it also could last for years
how many gold medal winners are compared to those from the past, and arguements made that they are not as good
but a WR clearly states for that moment in time you have no equal
In an ideal world, the world record holder would also be the reigning gold medal Olympian as is the case with Usain Bolt.
As others have said, this is rarely the case. Olympic selection committees, particularly for the African nations in running have a criteria where the world record holder has often been overlooked for a place on the Olympic team in favour of somebody who may have won a qualifying race. So somebody may be the fastest in the world but is denied the opportunity to also earn a medal.
Paula Radcliffe is the long-time women's marathon world record holder with her nearest contender still minutes away from matching her time. Despite the accolade of the world record, she's sorely disappointed that she'll now never know the glory of earning an Olympic medal, despite many attempts over the years.
As others have said, this is rarely the case. Olympic selection committees, particularly for the African nations in running have a criteria where the world record holder has often been overlooked for a place on the Olympic team in favour of somebody who may have won a qualifying race. So somebody may be the fastest in the world but is denied the opportunity to also earn a medal.
Paula Radcliffe is the long-time women's marathon world record holder with her nearest contender still minutes away from matching her time. Despite the accolade of the world record, she's sorely disappointed that she'll now never know the glory of earning an Olympic medal, despite many attempts over the years.
From the look on Pedersen's face after the final, she certainly valued gold over the WR.
For me at that age it would be the medal too, there are plenty of meets to break a WR, but only one to win a WC or Olympic gold.
Now, when swimming, I still like to win if I can, but to be honest the ongoing battle against time has become the main challenge!
For me at that age it would be the medal too, there are plenty of meets to break a WR, but only one to win a WC or Olympic gold.
Now, when swimming, I still like to win if I can, but to be honest the ongoing battle against time has become the main challenge!
Cybertronian said:
In an ideal world, the world record holder would also be the reigning gold medal Olympian as is the case with Usain Bolt.
As others have said, this is rarely the case. Olympic selection committees, particularly for the African nations in running have a criteria where the world record holder has often been overlooked for a place on the Olympic team in favour of somebody who may have won a qualifying race. So somebody may be the fastest in the world but is denied the opportunity to also earn a medal.
Paula Radcliffe is the long-time women's marathon world record holder with her nearest contender still minutes away from matching her time. Despite the accolade of the world record, she's sorely disappointed that she'll now never know the glory of earning an Olympic medal, despite many attempts over the years.
Also in distance running, records are set in pacemade "races" where everyone hammers along behind the pacers until the last few laps. Medals are won in real races where you need tactics, change of pace, positional awareness, without the benefit of someone else to do the pacing. I'd take Olympic Gold over a World Record.As others have said, this is rarely the case. Olympic selection committees, particularly for the African nations in running have a criteria where the world record holder has often been overlooked for a place on the Olympic team in favour of somebody who may have won a qualifying race. So somebody may be the fastest in the world but is denied the opportunity to also earn a medal.
Paula Radcliffe is the long-time women's marathon world record holder with her nearest contender still minutes away from matching her time. Despite the accolade of the world record, she's sorely disappointed that she'll now never know the glory of earning an Olympic medal, despite many attempts over the years.
ash73 said:
Who cares who else remembers? With a WR you'd know on that day you delivered a perfect performance, that's all that matters in any sport, imho. Smashing your PB as you collapse over the line in 3rd is a better memory than having a bad day and cruising to victory, to me at least.
Spot on.
Otispunkmeyer said:
Heh I guess that would be the next question. Assuming you'd want the medal over the WR. Which medal ? A world championship or Olympic?
I think I'd have the Olympic medal.
depends on the sport, in cycling terms, I'd much rather wear the rainbow jersey for a year than win olympic gold, if i was an athlete, i'd go with an olympic gold.I think I'd have the Olympic medal.
As for a WR vs a gold medal, I'd happily take the medal. Records can be won and lost in seconds, didnt Lewis jump a WR with an illegal wind only for Powell to go further with a legal wind in the very next round at the same event? sure Lewis won plenty of other things but what if he had'nt? for about 3 minutes he was the wolrd record holder then he is wiped of the books and a new name inserted?
With a gold medal, you can say that on that day, you were the best in the world and no one can take that accolade away from you. You can only compete against the other people in the race.
pablo said:
As for a WR vs a gold medal, I'd happily take the medal. Records can be won and lost in seconds, didnt Lewis jump a WR with an illegal wind only for Powell to go further with a legal wind in the very next round at the same event? sure Lewis won plenty of other things but what if he had'nt? for about 3 minutes he was the wolrd record holder then he is wiped of the books and a new name inserted?
That's why you need to deliver a performance which is undeniably astonishing. If you do that, you will be a record holder for a long time until someone comes along with another performance of similar 'perfectness'.MrB1obby said:
pablo said:
As for a WR vs a gold medal, I'd happily take the medal. Records can be won and lost in seconds, didnt Lewis jump a WR with an illegal wind only for Powell to go further with a legal wind in the very next round at the same event? sure Lewis won plenty of other things but what if he had'nt? for about 3 minutes he was the wolrd record holder then he is wiped of the books and a new name inserted?
That's why you need to deliver a performance which is undeniably astonishing. If you do that, you will be a record holder for a long time until someone comes along with another performance of similar 'perfectness'.I'm with the majority here.
But, just for interest, Christine Ohuruogo was particularly pleased to break the UK 400 meters record when she won gold the other day. Perhaps because i) the record has stood for ages ii) She doesn't think anyone will take it from her for ages iii) She already has medals.
But, just for interest, Christine Ohuruogo was particularly pleased to break the UK 400 meters record when she won gold the other day. Perhaps because i) the record has stood for ages ii) She doesn't think anyone will take it from her for ages iii) She already has medals.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff