| Sports doping is, unfortunately, a common occurrence | | | | by many swimmers and one even said that wearing it |
| amongst competitive athletes. Sports doping is the | | | | was like "swimming downhill". So, has technology really |
| practice where athletes knowingly or unknowingly | | | | come along that far in that sports equipment will give |
| (through their doctors and trainers) take performance | | | | that much of a competitive advantage? Or, perhaps it |
| enhancing drugs to improve their athletic performance. | | | | is just wishful thinking on the side of the manufacturers |
| However, a new phrase is gaining prominence in the | | | | and especially the athletes? |
| sporting news and that is "technology doping". This | | | | Another important factor in competitive sports is the |
| term was introduced to describe competitive | | | | psychological aspect. Along with the coach and trainer, |
| advantage using sports equipment. | | | | the sports psychologist is part of a team's entourage. |
| Obviously, athletes use sports equipment. Having | | | | He teaches the power of positive thinking and if an |
| customized equipment along with proper preparation | | | | athlete thinks that a particular suit is going to help him |
| of the equipment is an important part of competing in | | | | win a competition, it can become a self fulfilling |
| an event. But would anyone make the argument that | | | | prophecy. It's the confidence that an athlete takes into |
| Tiger Woods won his numerous golf tournaments | | | | the even that matters. If he believes that he's trained |
| because of the Nike clubs he used? No, because it's | | | | well, he has the proper equipment and is in the proper |
| the athlete that receives the glory for sporting | | | | frame of mind, then there's no reason not to do well. |
| achievements and his sponsors come along for the | | | | All that said, it is a combination of sports ability, |
| ride. | | | | equipment and a positive mental mindset that makes a |
| However, as technology and science advances, the | | | | sports champion. An athlete cannot win on talent along, |
| equipment itself is getting more credit for winning | | | | and a piece of equipment cannot wield itself. Moreover, |
| events or breaking new world records much to the | | | | high end equipment will not turn a mediocre athlete into |
| delight of sports manufacturing companies. A case in | | | | a superstar without the skills. Therefore, the term |
| point is the new Speedo LZR Racer swimming | | | | "technology doping" may just be a mental boost an |
| bodysuits that are getting rave reviews from Olympic | | | | athlete needs to differentiate between being on the |
| athletes. They have been given the stamp of approval | | | | winners podium or not. |