Berlin Marathon 2023: 'Super shoe' debate raging after Tigst Assefa's world-record run

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Tigst Assefa's world record run is not yet complete, but controversy has already erupted. As Ethiopian passed through Brandenburg Gate with about 300 meters remaining in Berlin Marathon on Sunday, multibillion-dollar debate over era of "super shoe" was already underway. Assefa fell from final tape, erasing women's marathon world record and cutting two minutes and 11 seconds off time set by Kenya's Brigid Kosgei at 2019 Chicago Marathon. READ Young NRL grand final star's key request revealed READ Eddie McGuire calls AFL 'integrity' over GF ticket nonsense READ 'Gutsy' rugby boss talks Eddie's Wallabies future There's no denying that the 26-year-old from Addis Ababa is an insanely brilliant athlete, but his run was just another example of a world or national record being shattered by someone in super shoes. Aussie Olympic champion has a say Over past few days since Assefa catapulted women's marathon into another stratosphere, Wide World of Sports has gathered thoughts of several knowledgeable sources on super shoe boom. Tigst Assefa exploded from final tape at the Berlin Marathon, destroying women's world record by smashing it by two minutes and 11 seconds. Tamsyn Manou, who won world indoor gold over 800 meters for Australia, has made clear she is strongly opposed to the technology, arguing it has taken away from the purity of running and calling on World Athletics to "reopen an investigation". Pat Carroll, one of seven Australian marathon runners break the 210 barrier, said he was "dirty to begin with" and came accept, but only because he quickly became a "grumpy old jerk". New Zealander Rod Dixon, the 1983 New York Marathon and Olympic bronze medalist over 1500 meters, admitted to having "back flashes", meaning he didn't embrace it but learned to "live with it". He also hopes for "balance and honesty". Australia's Ralph Doubell, who won 800 meters gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, is not overdone. His view is that periods come and go and progress is made. Kate Smyth, who competed for Australia in women's marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, wants super shoe boom to continue booming. He became fascinated with technology in athletics. Julian Spence, who ran for Australia in men's marathon at the 2019 world athletics championships in Doha, has put forward a staunch defense of super shoes. He sees it as an "innovation in our sport" that has a tremendous impact on revenue, attendance and fan base. He also said progress "has been happening from the very beginning" and thinks World Athletics has found a sweet spot with its regulations on super shoes. Jason Agosta is a Melbourne-based podiatrist who has worked with some of Australia's best past and present athletes, including Cathy Freeman, Steve Moneghetti, Craig Mottram, Stewart McSweyn and Linden Hall. He believes the impact of super shoes on performance is greatly exaggerated and says shoe companies are "slamming it on and hitting it down everyone's throat."