Brian C. Hill

Rank-order tournaments with heterogeneous competitors work best when the competitors are relatively equal in abilities. Using data from 2007-2012 on major track and field events, this paper examines whether the presence of a superstar, Usain Bolt, has an effect on competitors. Results indicate a positive superstar effect. For average runners, the presence of Bolt is associated with running faster times and a higher likelihood of setting a personal record, but these results vary across runner abilities and stage of tournament. In general, the positive superstar effect is smaller for...Read more