Question

consider this claim:
expensive athletic gear does not improve athletic performance.
which is the strongest evidence to support the claim?
while the expensive compression garments worn by athletes
are often believed to improve blood flow and thereby
enhance performance, a study of male runners indicates
otherwise.
tom baxter, who has played soccer professionally for the
past decade, said in a recent interview that he believes
expensive athletic clothing makes no difference in an
athletes performance.
some athletes perform without the use of expensive athletic
gear. for instance, many long - distance runners from the
tarahumara tribe in mexico run practically barefoot, with only
strips of old material strapped to the bottom of their feet.

Explanation:

To support the claim that expensive athletic gear does not improve performance, we need evidence that directly addresses the impact of expensive gear. The first option presents a study (more objective and empirical) on male runners showing that expensive compression garments (a type of expensive athletic gear) do not improve performance as believed. The second is a personal opinion of one athlete, less generalizable. The third shows athletes can perform without expensive gear but doesn't address if expensive gear improves performance (it's about performing without, not with expensive gear's effect). So the first option with a study is the strongest.

Answer:

The option: "While the expensive compression garments worn by athletes are often believed to improve blood flow and thereby enhance performance, a study of male runners indicates otherwise."