Take a look at this. It seems like there is a significant difference in the abilities of super-human ubermensch on the right and the slacker on the left. What's going on? Are today's gymnasts and sports players all on steroids or something? Or have there been developments in human health and training regimes?
Hi OP, the post can stay here, but you might consider x-posting this one to /r/AskScience, since they'd be better positioned to address performance-enhancing drugs, training & methods, equipment, etc. Also note that this subreddit has a 20-year rule, so answers won't be able to address advancements after 1997.