AIS new Recovery and Swimming Centre

High-tech feature for new AIS swim pool@AIS

Senator Kemp opened the $17 million AIS Recovery and Swimming Centre, which boasts one of the world’s most technologically-advanced pools, purpose built to boost the development and strength of Australian swimming.

Performance analysis and monitoring systems packed into the pool—instrumented walls and blocks, touch pads, magnetic timing gates and 24 fixed cameras—will allow coaches and sports scientists to tap into a wealth of data and video footage about many aspects of the AIS swimmer’s performance in training.

The Centre also features state-of-the art Hydrotherapy and Recovery facilities—three spa baths, a plunge pool, a cold water walk through and a river for active recovery and stretching.

Technical facts about AIS Recovery and Swimming Centre

• 50 metres, 10 Lanes (25 metres wide).

• Moveable boom—allows flexibility to quickly change the length of the pool without the need to swap lane ropes for short course and other distances. (The lane ropes pass through the boom rather than attach to it). Large lane rope markers will reduce turbulence.

• High-quality water filtration—allows for a completely clear underwater view of the full length of pool which contributes to underwater filming.

• Enclosed and open-air —open pool walls and roof windows maximise the use of natural light and to enhance the training conditions.

• Underwater viewing—windows allow easy viewing of swimmers at the end of each lane and from sides windows.

• Magnetic Timing System—raised from the floor at key distances to measure split times at specific distances from the end wall which make up key components of a race.

• Filming Control Room—air-conditioned environment for computer equipment—allows for all video, data, and voice communications to be patched through to computer facilities to monitor the technique and performance of elite swimmers. Two control rooms contain a large plasma screen which swimmers can view without getting out of the pool.

• 3D magnetic computerised modelling system— creates accurate 3D skeletal frame model of swimmer actually swimming. Allows for computerised model analysis of the swimmer’s action.

• Digital displays— future panels will provide read-outs at the pool end to provide instant feedback about the technique and performance of AIS swimmers.

• Resistance training devices—(bungy cords) can be fitted to tracks in lanes 2 and 7.

• Pacing lights system—could be installed down the track.

Performance analysis devices and biomechanical systems

• Instrumented start blocks—measures the force, acceleration, angle and timing of swimmers off the blocks.

• Instrumented wall—concealed behind touch pads on three lanes— provide data on force, acceleration, push off angle and timing for the swimmer’s turns and backstroke starts.

• Camera tracking—above and below water camera angles provide coordinated video footage of swimmers. Permanent concealed tracks allow camera trolley to move alongside a swimmer.

• Analysis data and video images are fed into the video control room linked to AIS IT systems as well as being displayed on the plasma screen as part of the biomechanical analysis process.

State-of-the-art Hydrotherapy and Recovery Centre

• Provides a wide range of recovery options for both active (walking, stretching) and passive recovery in both warm (28-38 degrees C) and cold water (11 degrees C).

ASPIRE Talent Identification Program

ASPIRE Talent Identification Program Goes Gold@ASPIRE

The program tested 5,000 male students and 3,000 female students with a final pool of 60 student athletes.

Singapore's plan to become a sporting nation

Sports Council on track to achieve Sporting Singapore target@CNA

The Government pledged S$500 million to kick-start recommendations in three main areas - Sports Excellence, Participation and Industry.