Since the world’s top athletes converged in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics last week, there has been a lot of chatter about how technology will factor into the games. One of the biggest entries in this edition of the Olympics is cutting-edge wearable tech, which is expected to play a pivotal role in both enhancing performance and protecting competitors. Ranging from innovative fabrics to sophisticated sensors, these advancements will likely push the boundaries of what’s possible in Olympic sports.
Infrared Blocking Fabric
One of the most talked-about developments is a new fabric being used by Japanese athletes in various events, including volleyball and track and field. Co-developed by Mizuno, Sumitomo Metal Mining, and Kyodo Printing, this groundbreaking material is designed to absorb infrared light, preventing it from reaching cameras and thermal sensors.
By doing so, it will address privacy concerns that arose after the 2020 Olympics, where athletes discovered infrared camera photos of themselves shared on social media with inappropriate captions.
What’s interesting is how the new fabric strikes a delicate balance between protection and performance. While multiple layers would provide maximum privacy, designers must also consider the extreme heat expected in Paris. Ultimately, the goal is to shield athletes from invasive surveillance and also keep them cool and comfortable during competition.
Wearable Biosensors and Monitoring Devices
Beyond privacy protection, wearable tech is revolutionizing how athletes train and perform. Devices similar to consumer products like Fitbit and Apple Watch are now commonplace among Olympians, offering coaches and athletes unprecedented insights into their physical condition and performance metrics.
These wearables integrate micro-electromechanical systems with sensors that measure different aspects of physical function and movement. Unlike traditional biomechanics analysis conducted in labs with expensive 3D cameras, these small, relatively inexpensive devices can be attached to any part of the body, providing real-time data in actual competition and training environments.
The range of metrics available to Olympic teams is undoubtedly incredible. Runners and swimmers can track stride and stroke rates, while speed skaters and jumpers analyze ground contact time and force. In volleyball, coaches use accelerometers to monitor the number of jumps players make, helping prevent knee injuries by managing training volume.
Data Accuracy and Analysis
However, the implementation of wearable tech in Olympic sports comes with its own set of challenges. To be useful for performance evaluation and training decisions, the data must be both accurate and reliable. Additionally, the context of the data is critical.
For example, knowing a swimmer’s average stroke rate for an entire race is less valuable than understanding how it varied throughout the event, providing insights into race tactics, pacing strategies, and conditioning.
Another hurdle is managing the sheer volume of data generated by these devices. Olympic teams must develop sophisticated systems to analyze and contextualize the information, often including artificial intelligence to extract meaningful patterns and insights.
Throughout the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, spectators can expect to see the impact of wearable technology reflected in record-breaking performances and inspired strategies across a wide range of sports. While the athletes’ talent and power will still captivate audiences, behind the scenes, a whole range of permissible wearable tech will be working to give competitors every possible advantage in their quest for Olympic glory.
