Can you name a sport that people did as well in the olden days as nowadays? My question is motivated by the films of Laurence Owen and the Dineens at the 1961 championships. (Thanks to Floskate for posting on Youtube.) I don't mean to be irreverent, but from the glowing way the elder statesmen have reminisced about Maribel V. Owen's teaching methods and keen understanding of the technical aspects of the sport, I frankly expected more from her protégés than botched double jumps. Perhaps the shallow stroking and low leg lines were the style back then? Interestingly, the scoring (generally in the 4.5-5.0 range) seemed appropriately restrained. As per the Olympic motto, today's top skaters are more athletic and (I know this is subjective) are more dramatic and compelling performers than their 1961 counterparts. I wonder if there are any sports where this does not hold true.