The Perfection Point: Predicting the Absolute Limits of Human Performance

Looks at the science behind the extremes of human performance, which identifies the absolute limits the human body can go to, whether it is running, lifting, throwing or even holding one's breath.

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.