Question

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.

1. Which performance—Eaton’s or Bolt’s—is better explained by the concept of comparative advantage? Briefly explain.

2. Based on their performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, can we say whether Eaton or Bolt was the better athlete? Briefly explain.

Answer 1

a.

Answer: B

Comparative advantage depends on specialization of work. The athlete having specialization in a particular field must finish the race in shorter time. It happens in case of B, who fished the race in 9.81 seconds compare to E at 10.46 seconds. Therefore, B has comparative advantage because he has specialization in 100 meter race only.

b.

Answer: it can’t be said

Both of them are good in their respective fields. Moreover, the description is subjective but not objective, since only concerning about “what to be” but not with the metrics; therefore, “who is better” cannot be said.