The Perfection Point: Predicting the Absolute Limits of Human Performance - Softcover

Brenkus, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1509848037 ISBN 13: 9781509848034

Publisher: Pan Books

Synopsis

Just forty years ago, Jim Hines ran the 100 metres in under 10 seconds. Now Usain Bolt is inching close to the 9.50 second mark, begging the question: exactly how fast can a human go? Utilizing cutting edge science to examine incredible physical feats in the most elite sports, John Brenkus uncovers what it takes to reach the 'perfection point' - that measurement of speed, distance or force that supreme athletes can inch closer to but never exceed. Shining a light on the crucial balance between physical stamina and emotional drive, this is the ultimate guide to the further limits of human performance. 'Lively and engaging...this stuff is catnip to sports fans' Wall Street Journal

About this title

From the Back Cover

What's the fastest a human can run the 100-meter sprint?
What's the longest a human can hold his breath?
What are the limits of human performance?

Until 1954, common wisdom and scientific knowledge considered a sub-four-minute mile an impossible feat for a human. But then Roger Bannister broke that mark, followed quickly by a host of other athletes. Today the world record stands at 3 minutes, 43 seconds, yet even that number doesn't tell the full story of how fast humans can run a mile—records are a mark of how well people have done, not how well they can do.

In this fascinating and thought-provoking book, John Brenkus ventures across the sports world to provide an in-depth look at the absolute limits of human performance. For years, coaches, pundits, and experts have speculated about the extremes of human ability. The Perfection Point finally provides the answers.

About the Author

John Brenkus has spent the last decade studying the unique characteristics of the world's greatest athletes. He cocreated the groundbreaking series Fight Science for the National Geographic Channel, and he serves as the on-air host, cocreator, and executive producer of ESPN's Emmy Award-winning show Sport Science.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pan Books
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1509848037
• ISBN 13: 9781509848034
• Binding: Paperback