How Omega’s AI Analyzes Olympic Athletes’ Winning Strategies

### The Evolution of Sports Timing: From Controversy to Cutting-Edge Technology

####‌ The 1960 Rome​ Olympics Controversy

On‍ August 27, 1960, during the Rome Olympics, a highly debated gold medal was awarded in the men’s 100-meter freestyle swimming event. Both Australian swimmer John Devitt and American Lance Larson finished with the same time of 55.2 seconds. However, only Devitt received the gold medal.

#### Timing Methods and Controversial Decisions

At that time, swimming events were​ timed using three stopwatches per lane, and an average ‌time was taken. In​ case of ⁣a tie, a head judge, Hans Runströmer from Sweden, would make the final decision. Despite Larson‌ being technically faster by one-tenth of a second, Runströmer declared the ⁣times identical and⁤ awarded ⁢the gold to Devitt.

#### Technological Advancements in Timing

This controversy led to significant advancements‍ in sports timing technology. By 1968, Omega introduced touch boards ​for swimming lanes, allowing athletes to stop the⁣ timing themselves​ and eliminating human error.

#### Omega’s⁤ Swiss Timing ‌Innovations

Alain Zobrist,⁣ head of [Omega’s Swiss Timing](https://www.swisstiming.com/), shares numerous stories of technological advancements in sports ‌timing. For instance, in 2024, electronic starting pistols will ⁢be connected to speakers behind each athlete ​to ensure fair starts in staggered-lane races.

#### Photo Finishes and‍ Scan-o-Vision

In the 1940s, photo finishes required nearly⁢ two hours to develop the footage. Today, Omega’s‍ [Scan-o-Vision](https://www.swisstiming.com/fileadmin/Resources/Data/Datasheets/DOCM_MS_Myria_Camera_1017_EN.pdf) ‌captures up to 40,000 digital images per⁤ second, allowing judges to make decisions within minutes.

#### Beyond Timing: Telling the Story of the Race

Swiss Timing has evolved beyond‌ merely timing races. “We tell the ⁢story of⁤ the ‌race, not just the result,” ⁢says⁢ Zobrist. Since 1932, Omega has been the official timekeeper for‌ the Olympics, except in 1964 and 1992 when Seiko took over.

#### Motion Sensors and AI Integration

In 2018, Swiss Timing introduced motion‌ sensors on athletes’ clothing, providing comprehensive performance data such as step counts, top speeds, and stroke counts in swimming. This data, transmitted within less than a tenth ‍of a second, is used⁤ for training and performance analysis.

#### AI and Historic​ Data Utilization

For the Paris 2024 Olympics,⁢ Swiss Timing will use AI to analyze real-time data and create race narratives. AI can‍ now predict​ athlete performance by comparing historic​ data,​ identifying favorites, and analyzing mid-race performance.

#### Advanced ⁢Body-Imaging Cameras

Swiss Timing’s body-imaging cameras have evolved significantly. Initially primitive, these cameras now use ⁣AI to create realistic 3D images of athletes, providing detailed metrics such as speed of entry in diving and reaction times in tennis.

#### Sport-Specific AI Models

Different sports require varying numbers of cameras and computational power. For example, swimming events use ⁤four cameras,⁢ while beach ⁣volleyball uses up to 16. Swiss Timing develops specific algorithms and AI models for each sport to ensure accurate​ data analysis.

#### AI Reliability and Future Innovations

Despite AI’s advancements, it is not infallible. “Our ⁢software is ⁢developed to detect any unexpected deviations in the measurement process,” ⁢claims Zobrist. Preparations are ⁢already underway for future Olympic Games, including Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028, though details remain ​confidential.

####⁢ The⁢ Human Element in Sports Timing

While ​technology continues to advance, Zobrist believes the human element will never be entirely obsolete. ‌“There will ‍be a⁢ shift, and we do⁤ want to remove⁤ the human reaction factor,” he says. “But you’ll always need humans to set up. Even if it’s just to control what the‌ machines are doing.”