There are dozens factors that explains the performance improvements, like tech that can help detect future talents, globalization that can help finding talents

There are dozens factors that explains the performance improvements, like tech that can help detect future talents, globalization that can help finding talents in the middle of nowhere, studies on physiology... The biggest one being probably : experience. Thousands of athletes and coaches have learn for other's success and failures regarding training, pacing, resting, nutrition and removal of psychological limitations. Roger Bannister history is relevant : before he broke the 4mn mile, people thought it was impossible for decades. Once he did, many other achieved the same feat in the following years. Regarding your question about poverty, I'd say it's a tough one. Because in third World countries, only the athletes that pass the selection process actually come out of poverty. The others stay there. In rich countries on the other hand, I see two things : - having the means to train with the best coaches, the best gear... can help you make it to the top ; some rich parents are even pushing hard this way (see the article on tennis a few weeks back here en HN) - but also, if you have the means to go to college, aiming for a regular career is a way much safer bet than pursuing a professional athlete career. Teenagers that are very good at a sport and are given the choice between the two, most are going to pick the regular career and enjoy sport outside of work. A poor kid who's choice is between a life changing career in sports and stay in the misery they known since their birth, are definitely going to pick the only one offering the hope of a positive outcome.