Director of Sports Science Appointed at Irish Institute of Sport@Irish Sports Council
Sean Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Irish Institute of Sport, announced today (February 1, 2007) that Professor Greg Whyte has been appointed Director of Sports Science at the Institute.
Professor Whyte, one of four key appointments to be made at the Irish Institute of Sport, will be responsible for coordinating delivery of sports science services to Ireland’s elite athletes. This includes nutrition, psychology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, biomechanics and exercise physiology. He will be responsible for identifying the needs of individual athletes, in cooperation with their Performance Director, and ensure each athlete is supported by a team of experts working together to maximize the performance of that athlete.
10 March 2007
Singapore launches sports scholarships for undergraduates
SSC launches country's first sports scholarships for undergraduates@CNA
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) says two local and two overseas scholarships will be awarded each year, in the areas of Sports Science, Sports Management/Marketing, and Sports Media and Broadcasting.
More information on the scholarships can be found on the SSC website www.ssc.gov.sg/scholarship
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) says two local and two overseas scholarships will be awarded each year, in the areas of Sports Science, Sports Management/Marketing, and Sports Media and Broadcasting.
More information on the scholarships can be found on the SSC website www.ssc.gov.sg/scholarship
01 March 2007
Singapore funding for targeted sports
More Sports Associations see higher funding from Sports Council@CNA
SINGAPORE: $31.9m will be disbursed to National Sports Associations (NSAs) this year - that is about $800,000 more than last year's budget.
Sailing once again will take the lion's share, receiving more than $3m, while badminton will receive between $2m and $3m.
Bowling, football, shooting, swimming and table tennis will each receive between $1.5m and $2m.
SINGAPORE: $31.9m will be disbursed to National Sports Associations (NSAs) this year - that is about $800,000 more than last year's budget.
Sailing once again will take the lion's share, receiving more than $3m, while badminton will receive between $2m and $3m.
Bowling, football, shooting, swimming and table tennis will each receive between $1.5m and $2m.
23 February 2007
UK started talent trasfer programme
Talent Transfer in Full Swing@UK Sport
The Talent Transfer Programme aims to recruit athletes already retired, or nearing retirement, and provide them with a ‘second chance’ opportunity to switch sports and directly contribute to Team GB success in 2012.
To kick-start the transfer process, over the next few days 150 athletes previously funded on the World Class Programme will receive a letter, inviting them to pursue their Olympic dream – by switching sports. This group were chosen from 1,200 who have been through the lottery funded programmes since 1997. If they get through the initial screening exercise and are identified as potential medal-winners, they will be put on fast-track programmes for their new sport.
The Talent Transfer Programme aims to recruit athletes already retired, or nearing retirement, and provide them with a ‘second chance’ opportunity to switch sports and directly contribute to Team GB success in 2012.
To kick-start the transfer process, over the next few days 150 athletes previously funded on the World Class Programme will receive a letter, inviting them to pursue their Olympic dream – by switching sports. This group were chosen from 1,200 who have been through the lottery funded programmes since 1997. If they get through the initial screening exercise and are identified as potential medal-winners, they will be put on fast-track programmes for their new sport.
21 February 2007
Australian targets for the talent ID programme
ASC looks to next generation of talented athletes@ASC
A total of 17 sports are involved in the project, funded by the Australian Government to the tune of $20 million dollars over the next four years.
A major part of the initial four year project is the identification and development of indigenous athletes in the sports of boxing, track and field, hockey, basketball and field hockey.
Money will also be invested in developing Australian talent in sports that are popular and successful in Asia, including judo, badminton and short-track skating.
At a function at the AIS in Canberra today the ASC’s NTID program demonstrated some of these talent search initiatives in shooting, indigenous boxing, tae kwon do and badminton.
A total of 17 sports are involved in the project, funded by the Australian Government to the tune of $20 million dollars over the next four years.
A major part of the initial four year project is the identification and development of indigenous athletes in the sports of boxing, track and field, hockey, basketball and field hockey.
Money will also be invested in developing Australian talent in sports that are popular and successful in Asia, including judo, badminton and short-track skating.
At a function at the AIS in Canberra today the ASC’s NTID program demonstrated some of these talent search initiatives in shooting, indigenous boxing, tae kwon do and badminton.
20 February 2007
brain monitoring?
The brain scan that can read people's intentions@Guardian
A team of world-leading neuroscientists has developed a powerful technique that allows them to look deep inside a person's brain and read their intentions before they act.
The research breaks controversial new ground in scientists' ability to probe people's minds and eavesdrop on their thoughts, and raises serious ethical issues over how brain-reading technology may be used in the future.
The team used high-resolution brain scans to identify patterns of activity before translating them into meaningful thoughts, revealing what a person planned to do in the near future. It is the first time scientists have succeeded in reading intentions in this way.
A team of world-leading neuroscientists has developed a powerful technique that allows them to look deep inside a person's brain and read their intentions before they act.
The research breaks controversial new ground in scientists' ability to probe people's minds and eavesdrop on their thoughts, and raises serious ethical issues over how brain-reading technology may be used in the future.
The team used high-resolution brain scans to identify patterns of activity before translating them into meaningful thoughts, revealing what a person planned to do in the near future. It is the first time scientists have succeeded in reading intentions in this way.
19 February 2007
vaccinations for Austlaian athletes before Beijing Olympics
Immunisation program for 2008 Australian Olympic Team@AOC
one thousand potential team members will be offered vaccinations for Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and Diphtheria, Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Influenza to avoid any infection that might have an adverse effect of their performance.
one thousand potential team members will be offered vaccinations for Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and Diphtheria, Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Influenza to avoid any infection that might have an adverse effect of their performance.
17 February 2007
WADA new coaches tool kit
WADA Launches Its New Coaches Tool Kit@WADA
The WADA Coaches' Tool Kit is designed to assist World Anti-Doping Code signatories meet their responsibility to educate athletes, coaches and other athlete support staff about the dangers and consequences of doping in sport. The Coaches Tool Kit is available in English, French and Spanish.
The WADA Coaches' Tool Kit is designed to assist World Anti-Doping Code signatories meet their responsibility to educate athletes, coaches and other athlete support staff about the dangers and consequences of doping in sport. The Coaches Tool Kit is available in English, French and Spanish.
USOC training centre in China
USOC UNVEILS CHINA TRAINING CENTRE@sportbusiness
The US Olympic Committee has confirmed it is to spend $500,000 on establishing a training centre in China ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
USOC chiefs confirmed the high-performance centre at the Beijing Normal University which will accommodate 400 athletes.
The US Olympic Committee has confirmed it is to spend $500,000 on establishing a training centre in China ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
USOC chiefs confirmed the high-performance centre at the Beijing Normal University which will accommodate 400 athletes.
10 February 2007
monitor readiness to perform with software
Fitness becomes a matter of computing@The Australian
While the Sydney Swans were reaping the benefits of their Italian job, St Kilda was developing software of its own in partnership with Athletic Logic, a Sydney based IT company.
The Saints' software is purpose designed to keep more players on the field for more of the season.
The difference with the Sydney system - or the reams of information collected and analysed by Adelaide Crows coach Neil Craig and his sports science team - is that the players enter the data themselves, after every training session, via a touch-pad screen on one of four computer tablets.
Whenever a St Kilda player finishes a training session, he must tell the computer how he is feeling, how well he is sleeping, and answer other questions about his general well-being.
This subjective information is then collated with more objective measures of weight loss, training loads, distances run and heart-rate fluctuations to give an overall picture of how each footballer's body is standing up to the demands of training.
While the Sydney Swans were reaping the benefits of their Italian job, St Kilda was developing software of its own in partnership with Athletic Logic, a Sydney based IT company.
The Saints' software is purpose designed to keep more players on the field for more of the season.
The difference with the Sydney system - or the reams of information collected and analysed by Adelaide Crows coach Neil Craig and his sports science team - is that the players enter the data themselves, after every training session, via a touch-pad screen on one of four computer tablets.
Whenever a St Kilda player finishes a training session, he must tell the computer how he is feeling, how well he is sleeping, and answer other questions about his general well-being.
This subjective information is then collated with more objective measures of weight loss, training loads, distances run and heart-rate fluctuations to give an overall picture of how each footballer's body is standing up to the demands of training.
01 February 2007
Australian funding for Beijing Olympics
AOC funding increased@AOC
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) costs for the 2008 Beijing Olympics have climbed to almost $33 million as a result of a larger team and higher preparation costs
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) costs for the 2008 Beijing Olympics have climbed to almost $33 million as a result of a larger team and higher preparation costs
29 January 2007
UK Sport goes global on anti-doping
UK Sport goes global on anti-doping@UK sport
The Drug Information Database has been an overwhelming success since its launch in 2002, and we’re delighted that the Olympic Council of Asia have joined Canada in adopting it for their own athletes. The provision of this information is vital in minimising the number of competitors who fall foul of the rules by inadvertently taking a prohibited substance contained in a prescribed or off-the-shelf medicine.
The Drug Information Database has been an overwhelming success since its launch in 2002, and we’re delighted that the Olympic Council of Asia have joined Canada in adopting it for their own athletes. The provision of this information is vital in minimising the number of competitors who fall foul of the rules by inadvertently taking a prohibited substance contained in a prescribed or off-the-shelf medicine.
22 January 2007
use of IT for monitoring training
NICTA and the ASC to use technology to improve athletes' performance@ASC
NICTA's core capabilities in data clustering, optimisation, visual pattern recognition, planning and scheduling under uncertainty and wireless signal processing will be used to assist in the enhancement and development of training methodologies and equipment."
The collaboration between the two organisations is planned to include work on projects with the rowing and swimming teams.
In the rowing project, AIS scientists will work together with researchers from NICTA’s Wireless Signal Processing Program to improve the capability of the devices for the transmission of wireless information from a small device on the rower’s boat to a device the coach can use to interpret the information.
The wireless transmission of this information is inherently difficult because the signal needs to be transmitted in real-time, close to the water surface and for a considerable distance or range. The research teams will work together to improve the data transmission rate and range of these devices.
The swimming project combines the expertise of researchers from the AIS’s Aquatic Testing, Training and Research Unit and NICTA’s Wireless Signal Processing and Systems Engineering and Complex Systems Programs.
The project also involves the transmission of data, from a swimmer to a device at the side of the pool to provide important information on the effect of hand movement on the swimmer’s performance.
NICTA's core capabilities in data clustering, optimisation, visual pattern recognition, planning and scheduling under uncertainty and wireless signal processing will be used to assist in the enhancement and development of training methodologies and equipment."
The collaboration between the two organisations is planned to include work on projects with the rowing and swimming teams.
In the rowing project, AIS scientists will work together with researchers from NICTA’s Wireless Signal Processing Program to improve the capability of the devices for the transmission of wireless information from a small device on the rower’s boat to a device the coach can use to interpret the information.
The wireless transmission of this information is inherently difficult because the signal needs to be transmitted in real-time, close to the water surface and for a considerable distance or range. The research teams will work together to improve the data transmission rate and range of these devices.
The swimming project combines the expertise of researchers from the AIS’s Aquatic Testing, Training and Research Unit and NICTA’s Wireless Signal Processing and Systems Engineering and Complex Systems Programs.
The project also involves the transmission of data, from a swimmer to a device at the side of the pool to provide important information on the effect of hand movement on the swimmer’s performance.
15 December 2006
Do muscles recover faster in the AM or PM?@final sprint
A study from France shows that it takes longer to recover from hard exercise in the evening than in the morning (Int J Sports Med 27, 2006).
Cyclists performed ten six-second bouts of all out effort, with 30-second rest periods while the researchers measured peak power output, total mechanical work, peak pedaling rate, and peak efficient torque. The same group of cyclists performed these workouts in the morning on one day, and in the evening on another day. They found that the short-term recovery patterns were slower in the evening than in the morning.
A study from France shows that it takes longer to recover from hard exercise in the evening than in the morning (Int J Sports Med 27, 2006).
Cyclists performed ten six-second bouts of all out effort, with 30-second rest periods while the researchers measured peak power output, total mechanical work, peak pedaling rate, and peak efficient torque. The same group of cyclists performed these workouts in the morning on one day, and in the evening on another day. They found that the short-term recovery patterns were slower in the evening than in the morning.
13 December 2006
IOC Athletes’ Career Programme
Assisting athletes in their career development during and after competition@IOC
After the Games, 97 per cent of athletes are unsure about their professional careers, what will happen to them psychologically and professionally.
Based on this assessment, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Adecco decided to join forces, and in 2005 launched the Athletes’ Career Programme (ACP), which endeavours to answer these questions and provide concrete solutions.
The ACP mission: enhance the life of Olympic and Paralympic athletes
After the Games, 97 per cent of athletes are unsure about their professional careers, what will happen to them psychologically and professionally.
Based on this assessment, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Adecco decided to join forces, and in 2005 launched the Athletes’ Career Programme (ACP), which endeavours to answer these questions and provide concrete solutions.
The ACP mission: enhance the life of Olympic and Paralympic athletes
12 November 2006
Canada high performance strategies
Sport Leader Dr. Peter Davis Joins Canada's Own the Podium 2010 and Road to Excellence Initiatives@Canadian Olympic Committee
Former Director of the Coaching and Sport Sciences Division for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Dr. Peter Davis is joining Canada's winter and summer sport technical initiatives as Director Sport Science, Medicine and Technology. Davis, who will be based in Calgary, has relocated to Canada from Australia, and will commence his responsibilities with the Own the Podium 2010 and Road to Excellence initiatives on November 1, 2006.
Own the Podium 2010
Road to Excellence Business Plan
Former Director of the Coaching and Sport Sciences Division for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Dr. Peter Davis is joining Canada's winter and summer sport technical initiatives as Director Sport Science, Medicine and Technology. Davis, who will be based in Calgary, has relocated to Canada from Australia, and will commence his responsibilities with the Own the Podium 2010 and Road to Excellence initiatives on November 1, 2006.
Own the Podium 2010
Road to Excellence Business Plan
17 October 2006
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).
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).
03 October 2006
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.
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.
The Government pledged S$500 million to kick-start recommendations in three main areas - Sports Excellence, Participation and Industry.
29 September 2006
UK COE of coaching
UK Olympic and Legacy Hopes Boosted by Coaching Centres@UK Sport
An initial focus will be the nurturing and support of Talent Development Coaches, who are capable of working with talented young performers, (including potential stars of the London games). With their unique position, Coaching Centres will also be best placed to target the coaching needs of young people, adults and high performance athletes.
A UK Centre of Coaching Excellence in sport and disability sport will also be established. The Centre will include a UK-wide consortium of key agencies and individuals with proven track records in coaching and coach education. It will act as a focal point for the education and development of sports coaches to the highest level.
An initial focus will be the nurturing and support of Talent Development Coaches, who are capable of working with talented young performers, (including potential stars of the London games). With their unique position, Coaching Centres will also be best placed to target the coaching needs of young people, adults and high performance athletes.
A UK Centre of Coaching Excellence in sport and disability sport will also be established. The Centre will include a UK-wide consortium of key agencies and individuals with proven track records in coaching and coach education. It will act as a focal point for the education and development of sports coaches to the highest level.
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