Michael Phelps describes himself as \u201ca stat guy,\u2019\u2019 and the Tokyo Olympics is swimming in them. \u00a0
\nWhen swimmers are in the pool, four \u2026<\/b>
\nMichael Phelps describes himself as \u201ca stat guy,\u2019\u2019 and the Tokyo Olympics is swimming in them. When swimmers are in the pool, four image-tracking cameras at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and computer-vision technology generate a plethora of data, including meters per second, live position, number of strokes and acceleration\/deceleration. You’ve probably seen some of these numbers shown during broadcasts on NBC, and Phelps analyzing as a guest commentator for the network. \u201cThis stuff is so fascinating,\u2019\u2019 said Phelps, who with 28 medals is the most decorated Olympian in history. \u201cI honestly think it\u2019s really going to change the sport.\u2019\u2019 The technology has been rolled out by Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympics. Full disclosure: Phelps is a spokesman for Omega. But this goes beyond swimming. The technology is also being used in gymnastics and track and field, among other sports. \u201cIt really adds to the whole show, I must say,\u2019\u2019 said Alain Zobrist, CEO of Omega Timing, told USA TODAY Sports. Zobrist said Omega consulted with scores of athletes and coaches as the technology was being developed. \u201cIt was very important for us to understand which data were of value to them,\u2019\u2019 he said. It\u2019s no longer about only the final result, Zobrist said. It\u2019s about studying data focused on reaction time, how a performance evolved and with the ability to compare one athlete’s data to another athlete’s data. \u201cObviously when you can analyze your entire performance, over time, you will be able to recognize a pattern,\u2019\u2019 Zobrist told USA TODAY Sports. \u201cWithout a doubt, these patterns may influence athletes or trainers.“ In gymnastics, „pose detection“ technology registers the complete movement of the gymnasts and is available for judges to review an athlete\u2019s technique. In equestrian, the technology tracks the trajectory of a jump and time of flight over a jump as riders and their horses navigate the course. In speed climbing, the technology tracks how long it takes climbers to finish each third of the race. It\u2019s data that can be valuable for the climbers, said Marco Vettoretti, head of communications for the International Federation of Sport Climbing. \u201cTiny details can make the difference between a win and a loss,\u2019\u2019 he said. Phelps noted the technology\u2019s ability to show at what points a swimmer accelerates or decelerates. \u201cI feel like that\u2019s something you can really zone in on,\u2019\u2019 he said. \u201cHow can I be more efficient? I think that\u2019s what these devices, this technology, will give us access to.“ But not everybody sounds thrilled about it In beach volleyball, players are wearing motion sensors that generate data on the speed of the players and the ball, the types of shots used and how high a player jumps. \u201cThat\u2019s cool,“ said Nick Lucena, a U.S. beach volleyball player. \u201cI mean, I haven\u2019t looked into the data. I\u2019m wearing it, but as a 41-year-old who is limited on jumps. I know I got a certain amount left.\u201d<\/p>\n