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Chapter 9: Problem 4

In the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Ashton Eaton (from the United States) won a gold medal in the decathlon, which requires athletes to compete in 10 different track and field events. In one of these events Eaton ran a 100 -meter race in 10.46 seconds. In a separate event, Usain Bolt (from Jamaica) won a gold medal by running 100 meters in 9.81 seconds. a. Which performance-Eaton's or Bolt's-is better explained by the concept of comparative advantage? Briefly explain. b. Based on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, can we say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete? Briefly explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Part a) The concept of comparative advantage better explains Usain Bolt's performance as he ran the 100-meter race more efficiently (faster) than Ashton Eaton. b) We can't definitively say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete based solely on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games as both athletes excelled in different disciplines.

Step by step solution

01

Comparative Advantage

Comparative advantage is the ability to carry out a particular activity more efficiently than another activity. The performance of Ashton Eaton and Usain Bolt in the 100-meter race can be compared to determine who has a comparative advantage. Since Usain Bolt ran the 100-meter race in 9.81 seconds, compared to Ashton Eaton's 10.46 seconds, Usain Bolt has a comparative advantage in this event as he can run it more efficiently (faster).
02

Overall Athletic Performance

To determine the better athlete, we need to compare not just one, but a range of events. The decathlon encompasses 10 different track and field events and requires versatility and a wide skill set, requiring Ashton Eaton to compete in such diverse events as running, jumping and throwing. This means that Eaton's gold medal in the decathlon demonstrates an overall athletic ability across a variety of disciplines. Meanwhile, Usain Bolt's gold medal showcases incredible speed but over a single discipline. Therefore, we cannot definitively say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete based solely on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games because they excelled in different areas.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Patrick J. Buchanan, a political commentator and former presidential candidate, argued in his book on the global economy that there is a flaw in David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage: Classical free trade theory fails the test of common sense. According to Ricardo's law of comparative advantage \(\ldots\) if America makes better computers and textiles than China does, but our advantage in computers is greater than our advantage in textiles, we should (1) focus on computers, (2) let China make textiles, and (3) trade U.S. computers for Chinese textiles.... The doctrine begs a question. If Americans are more efficient than Chinese in making clothes \(\ldots\) why surrender the more efficient American industry? Why shift to a reliance on a Chinese textile industry that will take years to catch up to where American factories are today? Do you agree with Buchanan's argument? Briefly explain.

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