Dawnofthesuperathlete创新.PDFVIP

DAWn OF THe SUPer ATHleT e These days, the technique which enables Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, to take the perfect free-kick is no longer solely dissected by football pundits but also by scientists, biomechanics and engineers. Every twitch of muscle, transference of energy and body posture is analysed by sensors and computers so that we can build a greater understanding of what it takes to make the ultimate athlete. In the 1950s, the introduction of fiberglass poles saw pole- doctor designed an ankle foot orthotic (ATO) based on a 3D vaulters leap to new heights. model of his foot and leg. In the 1970s, the replacement of wood in tennis rackets with “The ATO was more dynamic and gave me a fluid movement. a combination of fibreglass and graphite saw tennis players It was comfortable and my performance improved greatly. It smash former limits. also allowed me to train better in sprints and at the gym in the lead up to the Games,” says Farrow, who finished 17th at his At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, swimmers wearing a new debut Games in Sochi. bodysuit sent world records tumbling. Before Sochi, Farrow also underwent 3D body scanning to Over the last few decades, technological advancements in sport ensure his clothing was perfectly moulded to his body. have been moving the benchmark of human limitations. Some Although the