Good Sprinters Have Long Toes, Better Achilles

A study finds that successful sprinters have longer toes and Achilles tendons which produce less leverage than non-athletes of similar height. But why?

Longer toe length allows sprinters to maintain maximum contact with the ground while pushing off the starting block. Achilles tendons having less leverage allows leg muscles to produce greater force.

Best Draft Pick = Best Speaker?

Experts argue words college athletes use in media interviews signal levels of confidence, conceptual complexity, team orientation, self-centeredness and distrust. In other words, studying media interviews supposedly can inform a pro-team if the player they will draft is a good fit.

For example, in 2005 the San Francisco 49ers had to decide between Alex Smith or Aaron Rodgers - both stars and both scored very high on football proficiency exams. But Smith didn’t use common leadership words while Rodgers did. For those who don't know, Aaron Rogers was MVP of the 2011 Superbowl (his team won). Smith, however, hasn't done as well.