π Science and technology π Society

Olympics 2024: physicists are improving competitors' abilities

3 episodes

Épisode 1/3

Paralympics: how to optimise jumping blades for long-jumper amputees

On January 3rd, 2023

4 min reading time

Fabien Szmytka

Researcher at ENSTA Paris (IP Paris)

Jean-François Semblat

Head of mechanics and energy department at ENSTA Paris (IP Paris)

Élodie Doyen

PhD student at ENSTA Paris (IP Paris)

In the context of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, studies are being conducted to improve the performance of tibial prostheses.
The Paralympic athletes concerned use spring-like jumping blades to replace the amputated limb.
The main challenge is to convert the athlete's kinetic energy into “momentum”, in order to jump as far as possible.
In addition to improving performance, the aim is also to improve the comfort of athletes by avoiding skin-prosthesis friction as much as possible.
The study of static and dynamic forces is put to use for the benefit of the human being, in order to advance the “augmented human”.

Épisode 2/3

On January 3rd, 2023

5 min reading time

Rémi Carmigniani

Researcher at École des Ponts ParisTech at Laboratoire d'Hydraulique Saint-Venant

Rémi Carmigniani and his team are studying the physics of swimming and the speed-cadence relationship of swimmers.
The objective: to understand the evolution of speed as a function of cadence and to relate it to the power delivered to the arms to move forward.
Accelerometers, force sensors and cameras are used to follow the swimmers underwater.
One of the main topics is the study of the swimmer’s start, and optimisation of the trajectory.
The ultimate goal is to help swimmers optimise their trajectory in the first 15 metres at the start and at the turns.

Épisode 3/3

On October 4th, 2022

3 min reading time

Franck Multon

Professor at Université de Rennes2 at Institut de Recherche en Informatique et Systèmes Aléatoires (IRISA)

The REVEA project aims to use virtual reality (VR) for sports training.
With the 2024 Olympics fast approaching, this project will help athletes improve certain “sub-skills” such as speed and motor coordination.
To overcome the limitations of a real training session, a VR simulator has been developed based on measurements of athletes' movements in 3D.
The project is part of a more general sports programme in which physical, mental, and technical preparation complement the VR sessions.
The system is constantly being improved through feedback from coaches and athletes, but also by applying new AI research.