"The Strength and Conditioning Era"

I think all sports evolve at some point where technique and skill level are almost equal and wins and losses are decided purely from a strength and conditioning angle.

Case in point: Mixed Martial Arts

Skill levels have elevated rapidly to the level where actual differences in technical ability are no longer enough. As evidenced by the Hughes Gracie fight last year -- skill is no longer enough - strength and conditioning at that level will always prevail.

Skill is not enough: The early days of being technically proficient and just waiting on your opponent to tire before submitting them (like Royce Gracie) are over.
Brute strength (without endurance) is not enough: The days of just hoping to overpower your opponent (like Tank Abbott) are long gone.

The evolution of MMA now dictates that the athletes have both World class skills and be in superb physical condition.

Pick any two fighters in a match up, and 99% of the time the stronger and better conditioned (not necessarily bigger - as evidenced by the recent Sylvia-Couture match up) athlete will win. Conditioning is the difference maker.

--
AC