Track and field differs from most other sports because it is solely measured in meters and seconds. A fraction of a second can make all the difference in track. Because of that, the technology that records data from track and field races must be as precise and accurate as possible. Technology involved in track and field ranges from personal gear, to equipment for track events, to the technology in the track, itself.
Prior to the 2012 London Summer Olympics, a number of technological advancements were unveiled to improve the sport. One example includes electronic starting blocks. The previous model of starting blocks had approximately five millimeters of error. The new, starting blocks can detect more than just an athlete’s movement, but the pressure applied to the blocks. The detection of pressure ensures that all athletes partaking in a race will have an equal start. The pressure and force applied to a runner’s heel is detected to determine if the sole of the shoe left the block prior to the race start. Along with pressure and force detection; lasers, video recording, and timers were implemented to fix the previous block’s errors.
An electronic starter pistol is another innovation employed to improve the start of track events. This model imitates the standard pistol used in track events. Where it differs, is when the trigger is pulled. Rather than working like a standard pistol, this one transmits a signal that results in the sound of a gunshot being played over a loudspeaker at the starting line of the race. In order to simulate the standard pistol, smoke is emitted from the electronic one. Also, a light flashes from the electronic pistol to complete the simulation and start the race time.
Once the runner starts, their progress can be tracked through Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips. These chips are so useful, that they have actually become mainstream. RFID chips can be strapped to sneakers to track a runner’s speed, distance, and patterns. There are a variety of chips that any athlete can purchase, including reusable and disposable chips. RFID chips also vary based on what type of event it will be used for, so it can record data as accurately as possible.
Global Positioning Services (GPS) have also been integrated into track and field. FinishLynx.com created a subsidiary, IsoLynx. It can be described as a radar for sports. Not only can this technology be used as a remote GPS system placed throughout a stadium, but as a tracking chip as well. A location can be updated 25 times in one second, with information on how fast someone is moving and how fast that person is accelerating. A major feature of this is being able to show runners the moments in a race where they accelerate or slow down. This data can be collected and viewed in real-time, or be replayed later on.
FieldLynx is the software application that deals with the scoring and administration of track and field events. This software allows access to athlete listings, score events, and can instantly upload event results to computers or scoreboards that are in the FinishLynx network. Live event data can easily be shared throughout a network.
Technology has also recently been implemented in track surfaces, where shock absorption is accomplished through a cushion. This addition also improves slip resistance and provides more traction for runners. With the increase in traction, there is a decrease in the need for spikes on running sneakers. This can lead to crucial time gains.
Runners are not the only track athletes benefitting from new technology. Field athletes’ performances are being affected by new measuring techniques. At the 2014 NCAA outdoor track and field championships, the Thought Development Inc. laser-line system was displayed throughout field events. This marked the first time that an in-stadium laser system was used globally during a live sporting event.
Not only does it enhance the experience of the athletes, but of the spectators as well. There are no safety issues with the laser. The laser can switch events. Although it is only a leading mark for now, it is thought that this laser will eventually be able to show world records and personal bests.
Shifting to performance gear, Nike created Project Swift, in which a clothing line was developed to maximize running speed. Nike’s “Project Swift” includes a new full-body track suit, the “Nike Pro TurboSpeed.” The design was inspired in part by a golf ball, with textured fabric (“dimples”) placed strategically throughout the suit. These dimples are in place for aerodynamic drag reduction. Nike tested this suit while in a wind tunnel; and the data recorded proves that with this suit, a runner is .023 seconds faster through one hundred meters than runners in a previous track suit by Nike.
The fluid technology included in running uniforms like the Nike Pro TurboSpeed, is only recommended to sprinters because the drag being reduced by these suits will not be effective enough at lower speed races (since longer distance races are run at lower speed than sprints). Also, the fluid technology is not as effective in distance races because of the heat generated in a full suit, especially during the summer season.
Sport watches, like the Vitaband watch, are a crucial technological piece in the track and field world. This watch allows a runner to record their distance, pace, mileage, and time. That data can later be imported onto a computer to analyze further.
Also implemented into some watches, like the Vitaband, are chips for debit cards, so runners do not have to carry anything with them as they run. The most important feature though is the additional service, which takes all medical information. In case there were to ever be an emergency while running, there is an emergency number to reach, as well as a personal number for the owner of the watch so responders can access pertinent information to help serve the runner. These watches combine features from many different technologies for the convenience of the athlete.
While innovations are created and displayed throughout the year for track athletes, prior to the Summer Olympics, the most advanced equipment is unveiled because it is the most prestigious platform for sports technology to gain traction and recognition. So all track and field athletes can expect the newest advances in track and field to be revealed leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics to help athletes be as precise as possible.