Olympic Edge: How University Research Propels Athletes to New Heights
Delft, Monday, 29 July 2024.
Delft University of Technology’s Sports Engineering Institute has been revolutionizing Olympic performance for over a decade. Their cutting-edge technology, including a tailor-made aerodynamic suit, helped skeleton athlete Kimberley Bos secure a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Engineering Excellence in Sports
Since its inception, the Sports Engineering Institute at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has played a pivotal role in advancing athletic performance through innovative research and technology. The institute’s efforts span a variety of disciplines, including cycling, running, and even niche sports like darts. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, TU Delft has developed specialized equipment tailored to the unique needs of each athlete, enhancing their performance on the global stage.
Tailor-Made Solutions for Olympic Success
One of the standout examples of TU Delft’s impact is Kimberley Bos, a Dutch skeleton athlete who competed in the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics and won a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The aerodynamic suit designed by TU Delft was a game-changer for Bos. ‘The biggest difference was that there was no doubt this was the best suit for me. It was comfortable, and I also knew it was the best aerodynamically,’ Bos stated[1]. This custom-made suit, created through precise 4D scanning, significantly reduced drag, providing Bos with a competitive edge.
Broadening the Scope of Innovation
The institute’s influence extends beyond individual athletes to entire teams. The Dutch track bike team, supported by TU Delft, achieved remarkable success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning six medals, including two golds by Harrie Lavreysen in sprint disciplines. This success underscores the importance of scientific research and technological innovation in achieving top-tier athletic performance. ‘You have to go for a competitive advantage… To achieve top results, sportspeople need science and innovations,’ remarked Marc van den Tweel, director general of the Sports Engineering Institute[1].
Expanding Horizons: Future Goals
Looking ahead, TU Delft aims to broaden its scope in sports engineering and technology, not only to boost athletic performance but also to enhance safety and promote health. Projects such as the assisted bike steering system developed with Gazelle exemplify this mission. This system aims to improve cycling safety for older adults, addressing the alarming statistic that approximately 120 cyclists aged 55 or older die annually in the Netherlands due to bike accidents[1]. By focusing on reducing obesity levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases, the institute seeks to promote a healthier society through increased physical activity.
A Global Impact
The influence of university research on sports is not confined to the Netherlands. Institutions worldwide, such as Purdue University’s Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center in the United States, are also making significant contributions. Under the leadership of Jan-Anders Mansson, Purdue has focused on sustainability for the 2024 Olympics and innovations in virtual cycling. ‘Sport has an enormous power on us… we should then make sure we have an emphasis on sport that’s related to health and good life,’ Mansson emphasized[2]. Collaborative efforts like these highlight the global importance of integrating advanced technology and scientific research in sports engineering.