All the comments about comparing apples-to-apples have merit. But I see this as a commentary on the advance of civilization overall. What an amazing time in h

All the comments about comparing apples-to-apples have merit. But I see this as a commentary on the advance of civilization overall. What an amazing time in history that we have the luxury of dedicating resources to these pursuits. I hear people complain about the "value" of the arts, music, and amateur sport. I argue that the strength of civilization (global civilization in this case) can in part be measured by how much freedom we have to facilitate the pursuit of individual interests. So yes, the shoes, surface, timing equipment, etc are better - that's the point. What an achievement.