On August 27, 1960, during the Rome Olympics, a controversial gold medal was awarded in the men’s 100-meter freestyle swimming event. Australian swimmer John Devitt and American Lance Larson both finished with a time of 55.2 seconds, but only Devitt received the gold medal. The timing of swimming events back then involved three timers per lane using stopwatches, with an average time calculated. In case of a tie, a head judge would make the final decision, as was the case with Hans Runströmer from Sweden ruling in favor of Devitt over Larson.
This incident led Omega to develop touch boards for the ends of swimming lanes by 1968, eliminating the need for athletes to time themselves and reducing the risk of human error. Alain Zobrist, the head of Omega’s Swiss Timing branch, which handles timing for various sports, has shared many stories of how timing technology has evolved over the years.
For instance, in 2024, electronic starting pistols are now connected to speakers positioned behind each athlete to ensure fair starts in staggered-lane races. Omega’s Scan-o-Vision technology can capture up to 40,000 digital images per second, allowing for quick and accurate decision-making in events like photo finishes.
Swiss Timing’s role goes beyond just recording start and finish times at the Olympics. They aim to tell the story of each race by collecting and analyzing data using advanced technologies. In 2018, motion sensors were introduced on athletes’ clothing to track various performance metrics such as step counts, top speeds, and acceleration in real-time. This data can be used by coaches and athletes for training purposes.
Moreover, Swiss Timing now employs AI to analyze data and predict athlete performance based on historic data. This technology helps identify favorites accurately, track performance during races, and provide insights into why certain athletes succeed or fail at different points in an event. The use of body-imaging cameras and AI models has revolutionized sports timing, enabling detailed analysis of athletes’ movements in various sports like diving, tennis, pole vault, and gymnastics.
The AI systems developed by Omega can track athletes’ movements, generate 3D images, and provide valuable metrics to judges and coaches to enhance the overall sporting experience. While AI technology has significantly improved sports timing accuracy, the human element remains crucial in overseeing and managing these advanced systems.
As preparations for future Olympic Games continue, Omega’s innovative approach to sports timing is set to evolve further. With a focus on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of timing technology, Omega remains committed to improving the overall experience for athletes, judges, and spectators alike. The blend of cutting-edge AI technology with human expertise ensures that sports timing continues to reach new levels of precision and reliability in the years to come.
