What Is the Speed of That?

Grenada’s Lindon Victor recently won a bronze medal in the Olympic decathlon, showcasing his prowess in throwing events. One of the most exciting aspects of athletic competitions is the wide range of speeds at which objects fly, ultimately determining the outcome of the game. From the fast-flying badminton birdie to the slow and heavy shot-put, each object presents its own unique challenges for athletes. The badminton birdie is one of the fastest projectiles at the Olympics, made of 16 goose feathers and weighing less than two-tenths of an ounce. On the other end of the spectrum, the men’s shot-put weighs a massive 16 pounds and requires athletes to throw it over three-quarters of a basketball court to win a medal. The speed of each object plays a critical role in determining the outcome of the competition. The New York Times used a sports radar gun to track the speeds of these objects throughout the games, providing an interesting perspective on how speed influences athletic performance. As viewers watch the Olympics, they are encouraged to consider the impact of speed on each event and how it contributes to the overall excitement of the games.

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Photo credit www.nytimes.com