How to run like an Olympian?

2016 Summer Olympics was started at Rio de Janeiro on August 5th. Among many Olympics games, Athletics is one of the most popular categories. Not long ago, Jamaican sprinter Usain bolt won another gold medal in the 100 meters sprint. He is famous for breaking the 100 m world record of 9.69 with the record of 9.58. He is the fastest runner in the history, and his record may last for a long time before it is broken. You may be curious. Why does Usain bolt and other 100 m runners can run so fast. Is their ultra fast speed due to their unusual body shape and strength? Or is it because of the training they receive and the techniques they possess?

To answer those questions, scientists observed how does Mike Roger, a fantastic 100 meter runner run in both low speed and high speed. Recording Roger's leg movement with high speed camera, scientists found that Roger's strides increased both in length and frequency when he ran in the high speed. The increasement in frequency and distance of each stride helps runner to achieve a higher speed.However, improved strides are not the only factors of running fast. Scientists also discovered that an average runner's leg movements in a high sped running are gentle curves. On the contrary, the leg movements of an elite runner in a high speed running are sharper curves.(see the picture above) Moreover, elite sprinters lift their knees higher when they are running in the high speed. A sharper curve leg movement and a higher lift of knees allow sprinter to hit the ground  with a greater vertical force. That's why an Olympics sprinter can run so fast, leaving us to the dust. If you want to run faster in the short distance sprint, you can try to adjust your running technique. Try to move your legs in a sharper curve, and lift your knees higher, punching the ground with a greater force. You will be able to increase your speed if you practice and master those running techniques.

Run like a elite sprinter, and you will see the improvement!