Archives
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Vol. 29 No. 322 (2025)
Genetics and Sport: Superathletes or Cheaters
Genetics and sport are intrinsically linked, as an individual’s genetic predisposition can significantly influence their athletic performance. Genes determine a variety of factors that affect athletic performance, such as muscle fiber composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, flexibility, endurance, and recovery. Research in sports genetics has identified specific genes associated with performance in different disciplines. For example, some genes influence the production of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are essential for speed and power sports. Other genes affect the body’s ability to transport oxygen, which is crucial for endurance sports.
While genetics play an important role, it is not the only determining factor for sporting success. Training, nutrition, environment, and motivation are also crucial. However, understanding the influence of genetics can help athletes and coaches optimize training and nutrition, as well as identify potential talents at an early age. Furthermore, genetics can also play a role in preventing sports injuries. By identifying genetic predispositions to certain injuries, athletes can take preventative measures, such as targeted exercises and adjustments in technique.
Sports genetics research offers valuable information that can help athletes and coaches maximize performance. However, sports genetic testing must be used responsibly and ethically, respecting athletes' privacy and autonomy. Furthermore, techniques such as genetic modification and genome editing, which are currently used to treat, prevent or cure diseases such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, leukemia and others, are considered a form of doping and are prohibited by sports organizations.
Tulio Guterman, Director - March 2025 -
Vol. 29 No. 321 (2025)
Sport in Contemporary Society
Sport has accompanied human societies for thousands of years and has a significant impact on our culture, health and well-being, proving to be much more than a simple pastime. Its contributions to quality of life, and the promotion of social inclusion and equality, since people of different ages, genders and abilities can participate and compete together, make it a practice of enormous relevance.
It also has a notable economic and social impact, since the sports industry generates thousands of jobs around the world, from professional athletes and coaches to support staff, marketing and event management. In addition, it can be a driver of social development by promoting the construction of sports infrastructure, improving the image of a community and fostering national pride. Sport has also been a privileged stage to denounce discrimination, inequality and violence. Through various initiatives, awareness has been raised on important issues such as gender equality, the inclusion of people with disabilities and the fight against racism. By promoting values and fostering inclusion and contributing to health, education, the economy and social change, it generates a positive impact on communities. The commitment of all those involved – athletes, educators, coaches, applied professionals, specialized journalists, leaders and the public attending sporting events – is essential for it to remain an essential part of the human experience and valuable culture.
Tulio Guterman, Director – February 2025 -
Vol. 29 No. 320 (2025)
Towards a more just and equitable sport
Sport, far from being a space alien to society, is a microcosm that reflects and reproduces the social, racial and gender inequalities present in it. This is verified in the access to resources of low-income people who have fewer opportunities to practice many sports due to the lack of facilities, equipment and qualified coaches. This restricts their sporting development and their possibilities of achieving high performance. Some sports are associated with certain social classes and require high purchasing power to practice them, creating a barrier to access for many.
At the same time, the media decide which sports news to cover and which to ignore, which influences the public perception of the problems and by prioritizing certain stories over others, they influence public opinion on which sports and athletes are more valuable and which are not. They also contribute to reinforcing gender, ethnic and class stereotypes in sport, which limits opportunities for many athletes. In this way, by presenting inequalities as naturalized or inevitable, the media hinder the fight for equality.
It is essential that the media take on a more critical and reflective role in their coverage of sport. Journalists must strive to offer a more equitable representation of all athletes, and challenge stereotypes and inequalities. Furthermore, those who consume this media must be aware of the influence it has on our perception and demand more fairer and honest coverage.
Tulio Guterman, Director – January 2025 -
Vol. 29 No. 319 (2024)
Sport: A Bridge to Inclusion
Sport, beyond being a physical activity, is a powerful vehicle to promote diversity and inclusion. By bringing together people of different backgrounds, cultures, abilities and physical conditions, sport creates a space where differences are celebrated and barriers are broken down. Practicing sport promotes fundamental values such as respect, cooperation and tolerance. By sharing a common goal, athletes learn to value the qualities of their peers, regardless of their background or condition. This fosters empathy and mutual understanding, helping to build more just and equitable societies.
In addition, adapted sport shows that there are no limits to participation. Thanks to changes in rules and equipment, people with disabilities can enjoy the same benefits as anyone else when practicing sports. The advancement of public policies promotes the participation of people with disabilities in sporting activities. This not only improves their quality of life, but also challenges stereotypes and makes the capabilities of this group visible. Inclusive sports programs also play a crucial role in preventing discrimination and promoting equal opportunities. By providing access to physical activity for all, they contribute to reducing social inequalities and strengthening the community fabric.
Sports organizations are taking firm steps towards full integration, by organizing competitions in mixed disciplines and by promoting sports that allow participation without any kind of gender segregation. In this way, sport is an invaluable tool for building more inclusive and tolerant societies. By promoting diversity and encouraging participation by all, sport teaches us that differences are not a barrier, but an opportunity to enrich each other.
Tulio Guterman, Director – December 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 318 (2024)
Chepngetich and a new milestone towards gender equality in sport
At a time when we are on the verge of witnessing that a human being can run a marathon in less than two hours, a woman, Ruth Chepngetich, has just broken the 2 hour 10 minute mark. For many, this is an impossible record, but at the same time, a milestone that anticipates that if this trend continues, in a few years some women will equal or even surpass the men's record in this discipline.
If we consider that, it was only in 1984 at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles that the women's marathon was included for the first time, while men had participated since the beginning in 1896, there is a difference in competitive experience in the event of almost 90 years. Taking this parameter into account, the progress of female athletes has been surprising. It is evident that the gap is increasingly smaller, considering that, the Kenyan athlete's record would be an absolute record in 168 countries if the event were held without gender segregation.
If access to resources, specialized training and competition opportunities is not withheld from women, their records will continue to improve as more athletes dedicate themselves to competing at the highest level. The neck-to-neck battle will surely occur sooner than complex mathematics can predict. In this way, we are on the threshold of a new competitive scenario that forces us to rethink assumptions and prejudices deeply rooted in sport, which clearly undermine women, which have already been overcome in other areas of culture.
Tulio Guterman, Director – November 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 317 (2024)
Smartphonization and Sport
The emergence of smartphones in our lives has drastically transformed the way we interact in the cultural sphere, and sport is no exception. This "smartphonization" has generated a symbiotic relationship between technology and physical activity, with profound implications in various aspects. The options that unfold before our eyes are multiple: applications for personalized training plans, online communities, real-time performance data and live event broadcasts, among others.
Advances in areas such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence systems and biometrics will be some of the next resources to incorporate new experiences. In this sense, it is evident that smartphonization has transformed the way we understand, visualize and practice the world of sport. Although it presents challenges, it brings undoubted benefits and offers a promising future for physical activity.
But at the same time, it is essential to find a balance, using smartphones as tools to improve our health and well-being, without neglecting the importance of social interaction and connection with nature, so as not to be subjected to what comes to our screen, and in this way, to be able to exercise autonomous decisions in our daily lives.
Tulio Guterman, Director - October 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 316 (2024)
Globalized Soccer: A Mirror of an Unequal World
Twenty-four hours a day, more and more platforms that broadcast matches every day, at any time, from any league in the world, globalization has transformed the football market, increasing income from television rights and sponsorships, which in turn has boosted soccer players' salaries. In this way, the prizes of an elite of players have skyrocketed to exorbitant figures.
It is one of the many phenomena of these times that determines that a large majority of the population passively observes from the screens and sees the daily decline not only in the possibilities of consumption with their salaries but also in the constant precariousness of the labor market, with initiatives that only benefit a minority. Meanwhile, there is an absence of public policies that promote a more equitable distribution of wealth, invest in education and vocational training, and foster inclusive economic growth. Specialized journalism spends hours debating inconsequential details, imposing the soccer agenda and shaping a reality determined by commercial interests. In this way, what is necessary to build a critical view of reality, make more informed decisions to avoid being manipulated by fragmented information, and contribute initiatives that call for the resolution of collective needs is hidden from view.
Tulio Guterman, Director - September 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 315 (2024)
Unexpected champions: the value beyond the medal
In the glow of the Olympic Games, athletes who reach the podium become global heroes. Often, behind these medals, there are stories of sacrifice, dedication and overcoming that transcend the sporting field. Many of these athletes, especially those from countries with few resources, achieve their successes despite meager state support and limited media visibility. They are athletes who demonstrate that with talent, discipline and passion, goals that seem impossible can be achieved.
Their sporting achievement goes beyond simply winning a medal. These athletes become symbols of hope and inspiration, showing that with effort and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome. In addition, their achievements contribute to strengthening the sense of identity and fostering community pride. The social importance of these athletes lies in their ability to transmit values such as personal improvement, courage and teamwork.
Their stories serve as an example for new generations, showing that success is not determined solely by economic resources, but by willpower and the desire to achieve excellence. In an increasingly individualistic world, these athletes remind us that sport is a powerful tool to build a more just and equitable world. Their legacy transcends the sporting field, making them true unexpected heroes who deserve recognition and admiration.
Tulio Guterman - Director, August 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 314 (2024)
The worst show
Sports organizations are committed to eliminating violence from sport. However, xenophobic, homophobic and racist expressions were observed in the Euro 2024 championship held in Germany by groups among the public in the stadiums and some players. They manifest themselves through gestures, chants, insults and banners with fundamentalist symbols that incite hatred and violence.
They are public demonstrations of ideological configurations that circulate in current societies. It is worrying to note that fanaticism, intolerance, machismo and omnipotence prevail in its content, in voices that not only operate to the detriment of those who enjoy the show and emotionally encourage their team, but also try to make authoritarian discourses acceptable beyond the stadiums. Thus, racism and xenophobia extend to the housing market, in the job search and in schools.
Soccer has the ability to unite people from different backgrounds, social classes and cultures, creating a sense of community and belonging. It is part of the identity and in many regions and countries it is a fundamental element of popular culture. At the same time, he has inspired various artistic expressions in works that reflect the emotion, beauty and complexity of his practice. So that each match represents a party and not a collective tragedy, let us continue applauding the application of severe disciplinary measures for those who engage in conduct that promotes all types of violence.
Tulio Guterman – Director, July 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 313 (2024)
Guyo Sember: teaching, passion and rebellion
I try to describe it in a few strokes: 23 years and an intense life abruptly stopped by the terrorist wrath of a thirsty State; a Physical Education teacher, a teacher and another athlete, in a body dedicated to life. A companion who guarded the supportive camaraderie, a friend who considered friendship as a dedication, an endearing brother. Guyo was endowed with a capacity for seduction that enhanced his teaching vocation, because what is teaching if not the ability to seduce and enthuse in learning? Standing on the grass, with his feet a little apart, a guitar hanging with his fingers at the height of the blade and a soccer ball under his other arm: that would be the still photo of him.
It is curious that the years go by and the memory, which is always fading, does not stop growing in him. Forty years after being lost in the darkness of the murderous State, those who were his students, who were eight years old at the time, created a website with his name: such is his presence in the minds of those children who are now adults. Later came other tributes, here a public natatorium in Lomas de Zamora, there an open professorship, awards with his name, a physical education movement that carries him as a banner of creative rebellion... and now the students and teachers of Secondary School Nr. 68 choose him to symbolize their direction: they were the ones who elected him in a democratic vote, strengthening his legacy more and more every day.
The kid in the photo, the one with the guitar and the ball, with his rebellion demanding social justice, won the game against oblivion: Guyo Sember... Present!
Silvio 'Lito' Sember - Barcelona, June 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 312 (2024)
National pride and global inequality in sports
Success in sport has notable significance because it fosters national pride and social cohesion. At the same time, it impacts the positive international image because athletes operate as ambassadors, spreading values associated with their talent and effort. These achievements can inspire new generations to achieve their dreams and thus contribute to the training of more high-performance athletes. Many nations even use sporting triumphs as an effective tool for soft diplomacy by establishing links of cooperation and fraternizing with others.
These are the reasons why the most powerful countries invest a lot of money in the training of athletes and this is verified in the medal tables. In the Olympic Games there is practically an almost coincidence between economic power and the position obtained. It is no coincidence that the United States and China, the hegemonic powers of this century, have led in medals obtained in recent events.
But medals do not always come from the training of the athletes themselves. Countries with more resources offer better economic incentives and financial benefits for changing nationality to athletes born in countries with less economic development. Many of these countries make enormous efforts to support high performance training programs, although ultimately other flags will wave on the podiums. Not getting the necessary support leads athletes to seek new horizons that would provide them better opportunities to stand out in the elite. In this context, in football there is at least an obligation to pay training fees and the majority of international sports federations contribute little to reverse this injustice.
Tulio Guterman, Director - May 2024 -
Vol. 29 No. 311 (2024)
Play in Peace, Play as a Team
Sport constitutes a universal language that we can all understand and interpret in the face of actions that produce endless positive emotions, which are shared in the community. However, as a reflection of society, it is not exempt from discrimination and this is perceived in a multitude of situations. In recent weeks, Vinicius Jr., a Real Madrid player who is persistently the victim of racist insults from fans, has made the problem visible in public debates with his complaints.
It is possible to build an environment without violence, fairer and more inclusive, and in this sense, in different educational and sports centers there are programs that promote respect for diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination, both for players, coaches, referees, leaders, parents and the general public. An active role for federations is essential in establishing clear anti-discrimination policies, implementing reporting and sanction protocols and procedures. At the same time, States must strengthen laws and regulations, ensuring their effective application and condemnation of offenders, and these actions must be accompanied by the media promoting a narrative that avoids racist, sexist or homophobic language.
Facing these challenges allows us to imagine everything that sport can contribute to building a fairer, more inclusive, more supportive society, privileging dialogue and collaboration between different actors.
Tulio Guterman, Director - April 2024 -
Vol. 28 No. 310 (2024)
Talent in sports has no gender
Before the creation of the WNBA, two players were selected in the NBA draft: Denise Long in 1969 by the San Francisco Warriors, who was annulled by the League and Lusia Harris by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977, who did not play due to being pregnant. A few days ago, during the All-Star Weekend, Stephen Curry, the best shooter in the NBA, and the best shooter in the WNBA, Sabrina Ionescu, faced each other in the shooting test. 'Chef' won with the final shot, in a confrontation that showed that the gender gap is becoming smaller. If the competition had been against any other player, the New York Liberty star would surely have won.
In addition to Ionescu, there are female players who, with proper training and preparation, could compete on equal terms, stand out and overcome the challenge, such as Aliyah Boston, A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Caitlin Clark, who just broke the scoring record in the university league; and in a short time, Zhang Ziyu, the young Chinese promise 2.26 meters tall.
It would be important for the NBA to open the doors to these female players and provide the opportunity to show their talent in the League that delivers the highest financial rewards. Being a management model that most sports associations of all sports try to emulate, this initiative is a possible way to break the glass ceiling and eliminate inequality. It would be a giant step to break stereotypes and move towards gender equality in professional sports.
Tulio Guterman, Director - March 2024 -
Vol. 28 No. 309 (2024)
Common benefit
For more than a century, clubs in Argentina have been privileged spaces for the social and sporting development of communities. By being configured as non-profit entities, they became places of belonging, identity and the promotion of democratic values. A common benefit that to this day has a positive impact on the promotion of health, well-being, integration and the personal and social development of people.
In these times, the privatization attempt was revived, which, if carried out, will inevitably cause the exclusion of relevant sectors of the population that have traditionally been an important part of sports culture. Furthermore, it means limiting access to a training environment for a large majority of young people who over decades have stood out worldwide in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, rugby, field and roller hockey, rugby and softball, among others.
It is true that many institutions face various problems, but they can be solved by improving management and incorporating trained professionals in various areas. However, the indifference of some and the fantasy of others of believing that the market will solve everything can lead to the disappearance of many clubs. A culture is at risk of being devastated by the predatory market, which is an unmistakable sign of the notable degradation of social capital, unique traditions and tangible values.
Tulio Guterman, Director - February 2024 -
Vol. 28 No. 308 (2024)
Priorities
In 2015, a majority of Hamburg citizens voted against the city's bid to host the Olympics. They understood that the millionaire budget that was going to be allocated to the construction of stadiums and other facilities should be allocated to social projects. The arrival of refugees highlighted the lack of shelters and the need for public power to address this urgency.
At that same time, the hegemonic media instilled intense nationalist feelings in the citizens of Paris to create an environment favorable to the city's candidacy, which these days presents a monumental housing deficit as a result of the absence of reasonable policies that deal with solving the problem. that impacts thousands of homeless people. According to activists from different humanitarian organizations, the next Olympic event is being used by government power as a pretext to displace homeless people to other regions. They decided to transfer hundreds of immigrants living on the streets to other cities in France, showing an evident improvisation and lack of interest in supporting people who arrive escaping wars and famines, largely originating from their own colonial policies.
Paris is preparing to receive thousands of spectators and for the authorities one of the priorities is to eliminate homeless people from the party, even for those days, so that they do not visually contaminate the city of love. Very far from the Olympic ideal that advocates a peaceful society committed to the maintenance of human dignity, the International Olympic Committee should take it into account when designating a venue.
Tulio Guterman, Director - January 2024 -
Vol. 28 No. 307 (2023)
African runners: beyond the limits
One of the most impressive sports performances carried out this season was that of Kelvin Kiptun, a runner born in Kenya, who was less than 1 minute away from reaching a time of less than two hours to complete the 42.195 km of the marathon. In this way he surpassed the previous record of his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, who, among other awards, won the last two editions of the Olympic Games in the event in 2016 and 2020.
Both are part of the elite of athletes from African countries, the majority Kenyans, Tanzanians and Ethiopians who carry out these feats, using various technological resources, training in high-performance groups, application of advances in applied sciences, added to the increase in monetary rewards. (although still meager compared to other sports). This mark that until a few years ago seemed impossible will surely be surpassed. We imagine that this feat becomes a reality in some of the World Marathon Major venues: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, or perhaps in August during the Paris Olympic Games.
An achievement of this magnitude reflects the dedication, talent, determination and excellence of these runners, most of whom come from rural agricultural communities, who stand out for their humility and their ability to overcome adversity, thus inspiring many people to fulfill their dreams. dreams, both in the field of sports and outside of it.
Tulio Guterman, Director - December 2024 -
Vol. 28 No. 306 (2023)
Paris 2024: a show of wealth and misery
Every time the International Olympic Committee (IOC) designates a city as its venue, it seeks to ensure that the event takes place in spectacular settings where the feats of contemporary Olympic heroes are celebrated, with the aim of attracting a global audience and thus companies that contribute huge sums of money in sponsorship. The construction of stadiums, accommodations and sports centers are handed over to contractors whose main objective is to obtain the greatest possible profits, and to do so, some use various strategies to further increase their profits, such as job insecurity, savings in security measures and the freezing of salaries in times of inflation.
A few days ago, the workers of one of the sports centers assigned for the next Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which was under construction, began a strike and occupation of facilities demanding decent working conditions, contracts and residence permits as promised by the organizers at the beginning of the works.
The IOC emissaries inspect the works, ensuring that the agreed project and the scheduled times are met, but evidently they act distracted when it comes to a toxic work environment, generating misery and exploitation for the workers, many of them immigrants. Far, very far from the objectives proclaimed by the Olympic Movement of mutual understanding, spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play, something else takes place: another example of the inequitable distribution of wealth on the planet.
Tulio Guterman, Director - November 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 305 (2023)
Sport and democratic participation
Major sporting events serve to encourage people to engage in physical activity and thus promote an active and healthy lifestyle. At the same time, they can inspire feelings and emotions that accompany the achievements of athletes and also promote values such as respect, fair play and the discipline necessary to achieve personal or collective achievement.
However, it has also served to hide atrocious realities that occurred in the countries. For example, the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games were the scene where a totalitarian government attempted to use sport, through propaganda, as a means to show the superiority of the Aryan race. For its part, during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, the military dictatorship sought by all means to hide the illegal repression and the disappearance of people, diverting attention and manipulating public opinion.
Sport is a manifestation of culture that should be affirmed as a space for egalitarian and democratic participation, which can add to peaceful coexistence between communities. And in this sense, it must be an expression against denialism, forgetfulness and indifference.
Tulio Guterman, Director - October 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 304 (2023)
Africa, France and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Through various mechanisms, for centuries and to this day, France maintains a high degree of control and regulation of Africa's resources, which benefits its businesses and its economy, while has a negative impact on African countries, which see how their natural resources are exploited for the benefit of others.
Recently, a military coup overthrew the president of Niger, accused of corruption and of benefiting foreign regimes to the detriment of the local population, condemned to misery. The French government is threatening to take military action against the de facto government of Niger and other countries in the region that try to support it. More than defending the democratic system, it is interested in maintaining its interference in the region and perpetuating its colonial policy. If it does, the International Olympic Committee should withdraw the host city from Paris and sanction the French in the same way as Russia and Belarus for their actions in Ukraine, that is, their athletes could participate but not represent their country's flag.
Times of conflict between nations had a negative impact on international sporting events. The 1916, 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games were suspended due to the two World Wars. Likewise, various boycotts such as those in 1980 in Moscow and 1984 in Los Angeles detracted from the splendor of the event and denied many athletes the possibility of experiencing an unforgettable agonistic experience. Faced with violences, we state the hope that sport can express its most positive version: the opportunity to promote peace, cooperation, mutual respect and equal dialogue among nations.
Tulio Guterman, Director - September 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 303 (2023)
From Pelé to Messi: a question of image
In the mid-1970s, the United States was experiencing the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis and the resignation of President Richard Nixon, after the Watergate scandal. The heroic struggle of the Vietnamese, coupled with pressure from their citizens and the enormous cost of the war, led to their defeat in the Vietnam War. In this context, in 1975 Pelé, who at that time was still the undisputed best soccer player in the world, arrived in Major League Soccer (MLS) to play for the New York Cosmos. He had retired from Santos, his only club until then, and participated in three seasons, inaugurating the interest of the public north of the Rio Grande for a sport that is played with the feet.
In current times, the country of opportunities leads by a wide margin, among developed countries, the list of deaths by firearms, among suicides, homicides and accidental victims. It has one of the highest rates of income inequality in the world, which means a huge gap between rich and poor, which is accentuated year after year. For more than a year it has been involved in a war in eastern Europe, which many qualified analysts agree could have been avoided, with multimillion-dollar budgets that swell the military-industrial complex and reduce public resources to meet the legitimate demands of improvement of the quality of life of a large part of its population.
After rejecting an offer to play in Saudi Arabia of 400 million dollars a year, Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami, bottom of the MLS table. Both Pelé at the time and Messi now, in addition to promoting football and competing in an environment with less pressure, obtain benefits that go hand in hand with commercial agreements with international companies. For the United States, it means having the best player in the most popular sport in the world in its League; It benefits as a tourist destination, as a territory to do business, and by promoting soccer as part of global culture, it improves its image and international prestige, precisely when its role as a hegemonic power is in question.
Tulio Guterman, Director - August 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 302 (2023)
Geopolitics and Sport
In the long history that links it to geopolitics, sport was and is a form of intense expression of national and regional identity, and at the same time it has been used to increase the power and influence of States. International sporting events such as the Olympic Games and the Soccer World Championships have been the scene of political and ideological clashes.
These days, it is worrying that, given the escalation of insults and provocations among the leaders of the hegemonic powers, voices are not raised to promote rapprochement through sport and, on the contrary, international events continue to be used to widen the gap based on the differences. The path towards a multipolar world must foster a dialogue on common interests, in the search for agreements that put national, ethnic or religious differences in the background. In this sense, sport is a practice that links people from different cultures, it is a universal language that everyone can express and share, a setting where it is possible to settle differences peacefully, without antagonism being the main goal.
On the contrary, the violence stimulated by a tiny minority in power, more concerned with investing public money in war resources and enduring with their privileges, than with improving people's quality of life, can determine the end of humanity as we know it, that is, the end of all of us.
Tulio Guterman - Director - July 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 301 (2023)
Big Data and Sports
Big Data is closely related to sports. It consists of the storage and analysis of large amounts of data that can help improve the performance, strategy, health and marketing of athletes and teams. Before, during, and after a sporting event, millions of data are collected and processed by experts: match statistics, tactics and strategies based on information from the team itself and from the rival, the behavior of the public, the intervention the referee and others.
Having the data is not enough; it is necessary to understand the meaning and its application. Appropriate analysis, visualization and impact storytelling techniques must be applied to draw useful conclusions and communicate them clearly and simply to the recipients, whether they are coaches, athletes, managers or fans. It is also important to consider the context and purpose of each analysis, as well as the limitations and uncertainties of the data.
It is a model that, with the contribution of technology, can be applied not only to an elite of athletes but also to solve pressing problems such as environmental pollution, poverty, educational quality, access to health systems, water drinking water, transportation, decent housing, and healthy and varied food, in communities that demand it. In these cases, it is also necessary to form high-performance interdisciplinary teams that are capable of reading and interpreting data and, through public policies, make the most reasonable and relevant decisions, using material and human resources effectively to improve people's lives.
Tulio Guterman - Director, June 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 300 (2023)
Genetics and Sport
Many physical educators and coaches place great importance on genetics, since the hereditary component influences many physical traits that determine the athletic ability of people, such as strength, muscle fiber type, aerobic capacity, height and flexibility. However, there are also contextual factors that play an important role in the development of sporting potential, such as training, diet, motivation, and equipment.
Genetics can also help optimize performance, contributing to the development of safe sports practice, by evaluating the risk of a hereditary disease associated with sudden death in athletes. For this, there are different types of specialized tests that study different aspects of the genetic profile of each person and can guide the most appropriate guidelines for each case.
But at the same time, given the advances in these studies, the risk that can be glimpsed is that, under the Gattaca criteria, a system of discrimination and exclusion could be established in all levels of sport that prevents the participation of athletes like Messi (short height), Pelé (flat foot), Michael Phelps, Mireia Belmonte, Mo Farah, Dennis Rodman (asthmatics), and many more, who, although they were not benefited by the genetic lottery, at the cost of effort, perseverance , family and community support and other incentives, managed to express their talent despite bodily and organic limitations. Ultimately, genetics alone do not determine a phenomenon as complex as athletic performance, but rather interact with the environment to create a wide variety of possible outcomes.
Tulio Guterman - Director, May 2023 -
Vol. 28 No. 299 (2023)
Artificial Intelligence and Sport
Among doubts, questions, alerts and illusions, we are witnessing the intense advance of Artificial Intelligence in all areas of culture, art, science and technology. AI is already used to monitor physiological and technical aspects of athletes through sensors and wearable devices, which can provide complex information that collaborate with coaches to create preparation programs for comprehensive improvement, in the physical, technical, tactical, mental and social aspects.
Fans of record breaking will undoubtedly be surprised by the impact of AI in improving sports performance. By allowing the processing of a huge amount of data, its application to choose and select the best players, real-time performance control, individualization of athletic preparation and injury recovery is possible. In this sense, it will have a significant influence on the improvement of equipment, the development of marketing, and on refereeing, in short, on the sporting performance.
In addition, AI can add its contribution in the coming years to shortening the gap in access to body practices for groups that are still relegated, such as the elderly, the disabled, children and young people. However, thinking about and carrying out effective strategies for the society and, therefore, for a more inclusive, democratic, non-violent and integrated sport will continue to be a collective challenge owned by the human mind.
Tulio Guterman - Director, April 2023 -
Vol. 27 No. 298 (2023)
Multicolor, heterogeneous and multi-gender
Originating in the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece, Carnival is celebrated year after year and everywhere until today. It is a popular festival with religious roots that underwent prohibitions and censorship in the darkest periods. The celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Gualeguaychú, Venice, Huejotzingo, Oruro, Montevideo, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Binche, among other places, where each participant sings and dances, expressing their art in murgas, escolas do samba or comparsas.
People gather, the more and more diverse, the better, in a party of multicolored, heterogeneous, multi-gender, multi-ethnic corporeality, far from any rationality and very close to humor and irreverence. It is a place and time of commemoration, of tradition, of lack of control, of freedom to be and to share, where creativity and fantasy manifest themselves in colorful masks and costumes, on floats or giant heads.
There the hierarchies are altered, and for those few days, the carnival legitimately represents the popular identity. Every year, for a few magical moments, part of humanity becomes visible and looks at itself without ties, without prejudice or hypocrisy.
Tulio Guterman - Director, March 2023
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