Hey there, young athletes, and fans of speed! Get ready for amazement as we explore the exciting world of the world’s fastest runners. Today we’ll lace up our virtual running shoes and embark on a journey to discover the remarkable achievements and jaw-dropping feats of these exceptional athletes. From breaking records to leaving competitors in the dust, the world’s fastest runners have captured the imagination of sports enthusiasts worldwide. So, get ready to sprint alongside us as we dive into the world of speed, endurance, and the pursuit of greatness. Let’s meet the superstars who have blazed a trail on the track and continue to inspire us all with their incredible talents!

The 10-second mark had been widely considered a barrier for the 100 meters in men’s sprinting. The first man to break the 10 second barrier with automatic timing was Jim Hines at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Jim Hines, Ronnie Ray Smith and Charles Greene were the first to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 m, all on 20 June 1968, the “Night of Speed.” Since then, over 170 sprinters have run faster than 10 seconds.

Major 100-meter races, such as at the Olympic Games, attract much attention, particularly when the world record is thought to be within reach.

The men’s world record has been improved upon twelve times since electronic timing became mandatory in 1977. Usain Bolt set a new world record of 9.58 seconds in Berlin in 2009.

The current women’s world record of 10.49 seconds was set by Florence Griffith-Joyner of the US, at the 1988 United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 16, 1988. Breaking Evelyn Ashford’s four-year-old world record by .27 seconds.

So far, only male sprinters have beaten the 100-meter 10-second barrier, the vast majority of them being of West African descent. Namibian (formerly South-West Africa) Frankie Fredericks became the first man of non-West African heritage to achieve the feat in 1991 and in 2003 Australia’s Patrick Johnson (an Indigenous Australian with Irish heritage) became the first sub-10-second runner without an African background.

In 2010, French sprinter Christophe Lemaitre became the first Caucasian to break the 10-second barrier. In 2017, Azerbaijani-born naturalized Turkish Ramil Guliyev followed and in 2018, Filippo Tortu became the first Italian to run under 10-seconds.

In the Prefontaine Classic 2015 Diamond League meet, Su Bingtian of China ran a time of 9.99 seconds, becoming the first East Asian athlete to officially break the 10-second barrier. Then Chinese sprinter Xie Zhenye ran 9.97 on June 19, 2018. On August 1, 2021, Su improved his Asian record at the Olympic semifinal in Tokyo with a time of 9.83. On September 9, 2017, Yoshihide Kiryū became the first man from Japan to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters, running a 9.98 (+1.8) at an intercollegiate meet in Fukui. Kiryu’s Japanese teammate Yuki Koike followed suit and ran 9.98 on July 20, 2019, and Ryota Yamagata ran 9.95 on June 6, 2021.

British sprinter Adam Gemili, an athlete with an Iranian-Moroccan ethnic background, became the first sprinter of Middle-Eastern and North African ancestry to legally break the barrier on  June 7, 2015, having done so earlier in the same season with an excessive wind reading.

On July 3, 2022, Yupun Abeykoon became the first Sri Lankan as well as first South Asian sprinter in history ever to break the 10-second barrier when he won the Resisprint International 2022 title in Switzerland. Yupun’s achievement also meant Sri Lanka became the 32nd country in the world to have a sub-10 sprinter, and Yupun also became the 167th member of the sub-10 club.

So, boys—and girls! Put on your best racing shoes and hit the running track. There’s a 10-second record holders’ list waiting for your name to appear on it.

AIME

Greetings, young explorers and lovers of hidden wonders! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling expedition into the mysterious world beneath our feet? Today, we’ll gear up with helmets and headlamps as we dive deep into the exhilarating realm of spelunking, also known as cave exploration. Spelunking is not just about descending into the darkness; it’s a chance to uncover the secrets of ancient formations, witness unique ecosystems, and marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty that lies hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. So, grab your sense of adventure, strap on your backpacks, and join us as we venture into the captivating underground world of spelunking, where every step reveals a new wonder waiting to be discovered!

First, what in the world is spelunking?

Short and sweet, it is the exploration of cave systems, especially as a hobby. (Just so you know, a cave system is a series of caves connected by passageways.)

The first thing you need to know about spelunking and caving is to never, ever, ever enter a cave alone. (Just so you know, caving is the exploration of the caves themselves.)

There is something about caves and cave systems that is mysterious and fascinating. Cave systems are an unexplored universe of mysterious tunnels, chambers, waterfalls, tight spots, and creatures.

Spelunking is more than just a walkthrough in a beautiful cave; it requires hiking, climbing, crawling, swimming, rappelling, and wriggling through tight spots, among others. With the chance of doing some, if not all, of the previously mentioned activities, we can say that spelunking comes with some degree of danger. But, with proper attention to safety, this extreme sport can be as safe as a regular walkthrough.

Here are some tips that will keep your spelunking experience as safe and thrilling as possible.

Educate yourself about spelunking. Spelunking, also known as caving, can vary from a light exercise walk and climb to an extreme and physically demanding rappel. Know how challenging the cave might be and if you are physically capable of doing it.

ALWAYS have a companion when spelunking – Never go caving alone. A small group of 4 to 6 people is preferable. If you’re not hiring a guide, make sure that at least two of your companions are experienced cavers and know the cave well.

Have the proper caving gear – Always carry a hard hat, a headlight, and proper shoes. Your light is the most important piece of equipment, so have three and keep extra batteries handy. Sometimes wearing gloves and kneepads–also known as a spelunker’s best friends–will save you from a lot of pain. You might also want to carry a facemask; some caves have a strong guano smell.

Wear proper clothes – Please… don’t wear your Sunday best. An old pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice. Your clothes will get wet and dirty; and, in most cases, don’t expect to get them clean. Your clothes should have a good fit on you and shouldn’t limit your movements’ flexibility.

Most caves have comfortable warm weather, but some chambers can go down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), so you might want to dress in layers with synthetic fabrics, like nylon and polyester. These fabrics dry faster–reducing the chance of hypothermia–and they are more resistant to scrapes and snags common to spelunking.

Test your ropes – Ropes are one of the most important pieces of equipment when you do an extreme spelunking with rappelling. Test your lifeline before caving; it must support you and your gear in a lingering hang. Use a safety line as a backup in case of a fall.

Carry a First Aid Kit – Cuts and scratches do occur often. Clean and medicate them immediately to prevent infections.

Check your breathing – Deep caves can have a reduced amount of oxygen. Check for oxygen using a match, lighter, or candle. If you start feeling dizzy, out of breath, or have a burning sensation in your throat, stop and exit the cave at a steady pace.

Keep your energy – Always carry energy bars and water to replenish your energy. Take breaks when necessary.

Never go caving when it’s raining – Caves can flood extremely fast and more often than not, it is unannounced. Don’t take that risk.

Leave Markers – As you go further in, leave markers to show your way out. On your return, pick up your markers. Don’t leave them in the cave as waste.

Don’t take unnecessary risks – Always look for the easiest way to navigate the cave. When you have the choice of jumping over a crevice or taking 5 minutes to go around it, choose to go around it. Injuries, even the smallest ones, are magnified by the difficulty of evacuating an injured person out of the cave.

Be patient and don’t force things – Go slow and take your time while crossing or crawling through tight spaces; a bad position can injure or cramp your muscles. If you don’t fit, don’t force it. Don’t run the chance of getting stuck.

Know what to do in case someone gets injured – If someone gets injured and can’t make it out of the cave on their own, stop there and send two or more people for help–police or paramedics. Make sure they know the exact location where the injured person is and the extent of the injuries. Never leave the injured alone.

Inform others about your caving plans – Sometimes you can get lost in a cave. In such cases, don’t panic and stay put. Always let people know about your spelunking plans. Inform more than one person with details, like when you are going, which cave, with whom, and when you plan to return.

If you are adventurous and haven’t tried spelunking, give it a try. Who knows…you might even get hooked on this thrilling and exploratory sport.

AIME

Hello, aspiring young photographers and visual storytellers! Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey where you can freeze moments in time and bring your imagination to life through the lens of a camera? Today we’ll dive into the exciting world of photography and uncover the secrets to capturing stunning images that will make your friends and family say, “Wow!” Taking great photos is more than just clicking a button; it’s an art form that allows you to express your creativity, tell stories, and see the world through a new lens. So, grab your cameras and let’s uncover the tips and tricks that will help you take your photography skills to the next level. Get ready to capture moments that will last a lifetime with our guide to taking great photos!

Photography is a great way to capture what is going on in your life and to make memories with your friends.

There are two main types of photographers, those who want to create art using photography and those who want to document the world from their perspective.

Which type are you?

Photography is all about the art of seeing and how we perceive the world around us. It’s no secret that we all see things differently and it’s the art and skill of seeing that we struggle with as beginners of photography. Some people have a natural eye for seeing photographically, while others need a little help along the way. Learning how to develop your photographic eye, seeing the best compositions and lightings is a skill that you develop over time and yes, it takes practice.

What does having a photographic eye actually mean?

This simply means being able to look around you and see both the opportunities for a great photo and also see how you would create the shot.

A great place to start in learning photography is learning how to slow down and see. Taking in your surroundings and challenging yourself to see things from a different perspective. With the pictures you take, you want to portray a feeling, a story, and take pride in the new discovery of joy and beauty. But most of all, you want to have fun and create memories to share with your family and friends. Luckily, your cell phone has a built-in camera that enables you to take a picture anytime you like.

Here are some photography tips you might want to keep in mind:

• Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and lighting. Try to capture something interesting or unusual in your photos.
• Check your backgrounds and make sure they are not too cluttered or distracting. You want your subject to stand out.
• Hold the camera straight and avoid tilting it too much. This will help you avoid crooked or distorted photos.
• Get in close to your subject and fill the frame with what you want to photograph. This will help you show more details and emotions.
• Take lots of photos and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You can always delete the ones you don’t like and learn from them.
• Find a point of interest in your photo and place it off-center. This will create a more dynamic and balanced composition.
• Learn some basic photography terms such as depth, focus, and aperture. These will help you understand how your camera works and how to control the exposure, sharpness, and blur in your photos.
• Have fun and enjoy taking photos. Photography is a creative and rewarding hobby that can help you express yourself and capture memories.

Taking great photographs with your cell phone camera is possible if you follow some simple tips and tricks. Here are some of them:

• Use the light to your advantage and avoid shooting in dark or harsh conditions. Look for natural light sources such as windows, lamps, or neon signs.
• Adjust the exposure to brighten or darken your photo as needed. You can usually do this by tapping on the screen and sliding your finger up or down.
• Use the grid lines to align your shot and follow the rule of thirds. This means placing your subject or point of interest at the intersection of the grid lines, not in the center.
• Set your camera’s focus by tapping on the screen where you want the sharpest area to be. This will also affect the depth of field and blur in your photo.
• Use HDR mode when shooting scenes with high contrast, such as a bright sky and a dark foreground. This will balance the exposure and capture more details in both areas.
• Avoid using flash as much as possible, as it can create harsh shadows and unnatural colors. If you need more light, use a separate light source or an external flash.
• Never use digital zoom as it will degrade the quality of your photo. Instead, get closer to your subject or crop your photo later.
• Use camera modes, HDR, and RAW if your phone supports them. These can help you capture different types of scenes, such as portraits, landscapes, or night shots, with better results.
• Experiment with different editing apps to enhance your photos and add some creative effects. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, and more.
• Have fun and try different angles, perspectives, and compositions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

Taking pictures is fun. So, enjoy yourself and start by looking around you and seeing your everyday world with your “photographic eye.”

AIME

What Is a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a specially trained medical technician licensed to provide a wide range of emergency services (such as defibrillation and the intravenous administration of drugs) before or during transportation to a hospital. An EMT—Emergency Medical Technician—is a specially trained medical technician certified to provide basic emergency services (such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before and during transportation to a hospital.

They are not doctors, nurses, or physician’s assistants. The word paramedic is a combination of two terms. “Para” means next to, and “medic” means doctor. So, it means that paramedics work alongside doctors, though not always physically. They can provide life-saving treatment for someone until they can get to a doctor.

Paramedics are not Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), though many EMTs become paramedics. EMTs have the skills to stabilize and transport people who call for emergency medical care. They can use basic equipment in an ambulance. But they aren’t allowed to give treatments that break the skin, with a few exceptions.

Paramedics have more training and can provide more advanced emergency medical care. They can use basic and advanced equipment on ambulances. In their training, they can learn how to start intravenous lines (IVs) and manage compromised airways.

Paramedics primarily work in emergency rooms and ambulances where they treat people with urgent problems. They may also work in specific settings, such as:

• On cruise ships
• On oil-drilling platforms
• In air rescue transport
• On ocean rescue teams
• At special events like music festivals
• On S.W.A.T. teams
• On firefighting teams

What Does a Paramedic Do?

Paramedics work on teams that respond to medical emergencies. They are supervised by a doctor, though the doctor is usually not on site. They may communicate with a doctor via phone, radio, or pre-written orders.

Paramedics also make some decisions about patient care and supervise the other members of their team who have less training, like EMTs.

On calls, paramedics may:

• Do CPR
• Use a defibrillator
• Give IV medication
• Clear airways
• Give someone a tracheotomy
• Use mechanical breathing devices
• Do basic medical tests
• Interpret the results of the tests
• Give antidotes to drug overdose or poisoning
• Monitor the person who is sick during the trip to the hospital or to the doctor
• Interpret patient data on monitoring equipment
• Communicate with supervising doctor
• Provide a detailed account of the person’s condition to the doctor upon arrival

To start paramedic training, you have to have a high school diploma or equivalent and CPR certification. In some states, you may need an associate’s degree to start paramedic training. Some paramedic training programs require you to have EMT certification. Some specific programs may have other requirements, like prerequisite classes. Each program is different, and each state also has different requirements for becoming a paramedic.

Paramedics can get at least 1,200 hours of training. Some programs go up to 1,800 hours.

After completing training, you take an exam required by your state. You must then apply for certification within two years of passing the exam.

Being a paramedic is an exciting and interesting job you might want to consider when you are older.

AIME