Flying High

The world of science communication and technology is greatly impacting the world of sports, both the athletes and spectators.  As new technologies are emerging the world of sports is changing.  Relatively recently the vaults have changed from the horse vault to the table vaults, greatly increasing the safety of the event.

Old Vaulting Horse Picture from http://qwickstep.com/search/vaulting-on-a-horse.html

New Table Vault Picture from http://visual.merriam-webster.com/

As new technologies are coming into play the way which they are communicated with the public and the athletes are critical.  These new technologies can increase safety, the durability of the equipment, athletes performance, and the experience of spectators.  How these new technologies and devices are presented and communicated can impact how they are received by the gymnastics community and the public. The framing of how devices such as the flexibility enhancing vibrating box is very important, depending on this these devices or other new ideas could be viewed as taking away from the sport or cheating rather than a way to enhance the sport.

One of my friends also pointed out that the media allows for people who wouldn't normally follow the sport to do so.  She said she loves to watch gymnastics on t.v. but it weren't covered by the media she would never watch it. The media does have a very large impact on sports in general for everyone, not just those directly involved.