Olympics embraces technology for accuracy in timing starts and stops in events. In the pool, they have Quantum Aquatic Timer for touch pad finishes. Starting blocks both in swimming and track let the officials be aware if an athlete has left the block too early. Omega has played a significant role in timekeeping for the Olympics for decades.
The finishes are so close it is necessary to have sophisticated systems since the eye is not as strong, and the reflexes are slower. The touch pad is extremely accurate to the touch and can determine one millionth of a second. The starting blocks are pressure sensitive to false or early starts. As athletes get faster and faster, these technologies allow both teams to feel confident in the results.
Photo finishes and instant recall of the finishes allow the track runners to know exactly the finish order of the runners. There are so many ways technology is measuring the athletes for accuracy. Accurate time piece electronically measuring versus subjective judging or missed observations.
The signals go to the computer to an earpiece. The person with the earpiece who starts the race with a gun fired to make them aware to start it again if there is a false start or technology malfunction.
We see Omega time pieces worldwide, and their association with precise timings of races is a boon for all involved. No longer is the swimmer waiting at the finish line – wondering if the judges saw the touch – the system tells them accurately who touched first.
There are cameras everywhere where the system can playback the shots from various angles in order for the viewer to view every angle. This is prevalent in the diving where they show angles and bends with the diver. The gymnastics use the replays for the viewers and even in disputes they can go back and rewatch and recalculate the score because they may have missed a portion of the routine. This did happen, and a score was changed.
