The Paris 2024 Olympics edition was the most advanced in terms of technology developments in gear and attire, and one of the biggest entries was wearable tech featured in various accessories by competitors. Ranging from innovative fabrics to anti-infrared technology, these advancements were a game changer in pushing the boundaries of what was possible in Olympic sports.
Here are some examples of wearable technology that were used at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
The Omius Cooling Band
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Following the intense heat in Paris, this cutting-edge accessory was featured on numerous athletes, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, who wore it during his Olympic marathon performance.
Priced at approximately KShs 25,000, this high-tech gear is designed to help athletes regulate their body temperature during intense exertion, which is essential given the challenging conditions of the marathon.
The Omius cooling headgear is available in three styles: headband, visor, and cap. It features an advanced cooling system with replaceable cooling elements embedded in a lightweight silicone grid.
Engineered to enhance heat dissipation, it helps athletes sustain optimal performance even in high temperatures, all while weighing just 15 grams.
The technology works by absorbing sweat into the headband’s surface, boosting evaporation and cooling the skin through the conversion of water from liquid to gas.
Kenyan female marathoner Helen Obiri was also observed wearing the band during her grueling race, which helped her secure the bronze medal.
Compression Tops
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Track and field athletes wore moisture-wicking compression tops designed to reduce muscle vibration and fatigue at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
These advanced tops are crafted from materials that wick moisture away from the skin, ensuring athletes remain dry and at ease. They also feature lightweight and breathable materials to provide optimal mobility and ventilation.
The compression technology also enhances blood circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to active muscles.
They also improve proprioception, or the body’s sense of its position in space, enhancing coordination and movement efficiency.
Swim suits
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Swimming competitors wore swimsuits made from a special material originally developed for space technology.
Made by Speedo, these advanced swimsuits are coated with a material originally designed to protect satellites in space. This treatment makes the suits water-resistant, potentially enhancing swimmers’ speed and performance.
The swimsuits are engineered for an exceptionally snug fit with the suits conforming to the swimmer’s body. These space materials are crafted to minimize drag, enhance buoyancy, and improve hydrodynamics.
Anti-Infrared Technology
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Privacy protection was the motivation behind the use of anti-infrared technology following the events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where female competitors fell victim to voyeurs who unauthorizedly shared explicit images online.
The intruders used infrared cameras to capture images of the women’s bodies and undergarments, prompting the Japanese government to take action through the use of anti-infrared technology on competition gear.
The issue of invasive infrared photography has become rampant in Japan, pushing for the development of high-tech solutions to protect athletes and to promote a safer and more respectful environment for all women.
