Source: EYEPRESS Images/F.L Wong
[Saba Sports News] Some fans have claimed that when playing badminton on the Utah Plateau, which has an average altitude of over 1,800 meters, the shuttlecock travels at such high speeds that they find it difficult to react using their usual techniques and speed. They have observed that anyone in the arena can score points by hitting the shuttlecock hard, even individuals who may appear physically weaker. This phenomenon can be attributed to the high altitude and thin air on the plateau, which results in less air resistance acting on the shuttlecock and causing it to move faster. Additionally, not only altitude, but also temperature can affect the speed of the shuttlecock in badminton. In hot summer weather, the air resistance on the shuttlecock decreases, resulting in faster speeds. In the editor’s opinion, there is an underlying reason why the shuttlecock speed increases at high altitudes. Due to the lower oxygen content in the air at high altitudes, people’s athletic abilities are generally reduced. This means that they may struggle to move quickly and react to the shuttlecock, creating an illusion that the shuttlecock is moving even faster.