Here are some of the cutting-edge innovations to be used in Paris that will help athletes go faster, higher and stronger.
Next gen race tracks
Sprinters and long distance runners will see a sea of purple beneath their feet in Paris, as opposed to the ubiquitous red. But the surface is more than rubber with a unique colour, it is a result of multiple algorithms and extensive testing.
Mondo, the company that has provided the track for every Summer Games since 1976, has updated its product from the Tokyo edition. The new generation of granules used for the upper layer are now more elastic and cohesive.
Researchers have done several tests to find a more optical shape and dimension for the air cells inside the track, to minimise energy loss and enhance performance.
Three world and 12 Olympic records were broken in Tokyo three years ago. Could the purple track in the Stade de France help athletes set more marks this year?
Space age swim suits
Originally inspired by the skin texture of sharks, Speedo designs once raised controversy, simply because they could make swimmers go too fast.
At the 2008 Beijing Games, 23 of 25 swimming records were set by competitors wearing LZR Racer, a full-body swimsuit that reduced skin friction drag.
The sport’s governing body decided that was too much of an advantage and restricted how long swimsuits could be or what fabric could be used, essentially banning the outfit.
That did not stop Speedo’s research and development team, who ahead of Paris launched a new generation of swimsuits that were coated with technology originally used to protect satellites.
According to Speedo, the swimsuits have the lowest water absorption and longest water resistance benefit, leaving athletes feeling almost weightless in the pool.
Super shoes
When Eliud Kipchoge ran the first sub-two hour marathon in 2019, the world’s attention was drawn to Nike’s carbon-plated super shoes.
Although his achievement did not count as a world record because of the artificial conditions of the event, it showed the potential to further enhance runners’ performance and help them to push the boundaries, especially in long-distance running.
This is just one of the technological battle between brands in the past few decades. Leading companies such as Adidas and Nike have put significant effort into helping athletes run faster.
The secret behind most shoes is a carbon fibre plate embedded within the midsole, which allows runners to use less energy and maintain a faster pace for a longer time. Some trainers also have foam, providing great energy return and excellent cushioning to reduce impact on feet and legs.
With Paris 2024 around the corner, Nike and Adidas unveiled their new trainers with the latest tech. Nike Alphafly 3, an updated version from Kipchoge’s record-breaking pairs, have a wider plate and more cushioning. While the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, weighing 138 grams, is 40 per cent lighter than any other shoe Adidas has ever created.
VR swim training
For swimmers taking part in relay events, the change over is crucial, requiring split-second timing and coordination between two teammates.
The Australian swim team has started to use VR googles in preparation for Paris as part of their bid to find an extra edge in the battle for gold.
The country’s sports science team first filmed each relay swimmer finishing their leg from above the starting block, mimicking the next swimmer’s perspective. Then 3D videos were provided to their teammates, who could watch and judge when they should jump off the block to make a fast and legal change.
AI-powered gymnastics
Gymnastics requires athletes to showcase dynamic movements with both precision and artistry. Before the digital era, training was largely driven by the experiences of older gymnasts and coaches. Now, things have changed.
The Chinese gymnastics team is using a big-data platform, which allows the team to study every gymnast’s movement. It helps coaches identify areas that can be improved and figure out more targeted training plans.
Since it is hard for gymnasts to wear sensors when executing difficult technical moves, sports scientists utilise the latest technology in machine vision and artificial intelligence to capture gymnasts’ motion without sensors.
They are now working on an updated version, aiming for auto-analysis and predictions, according to an article published by China Sports Daily in June.
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