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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

How is it physically possible to continue breaking sporting records?

Armand Duplantis clears the bar high above the ground during a pole vault competition
Fifteen world records down … Sweden's Armand Duplantis competes in the men's pole vault during the Herculis athletics meeting in Monaco. 2026. Photograph: Valéry Hache/AFP/Getty Images

Obviously, progressions in sports clothing technology must make a small difference to the abilities of an athlete – but how on earth is it physically possible that we continue to break world records, year-on-year? Are humans really faster or stronger than they were decades ago? Jennifer Michaelson, Newlyn

Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday.

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