The science and engineering of sporting performance

Ever since the dawn of competition, scientists and engineers have played a dramatic role in the evolution of sport. From the development of lightweight racing cycles to the introduction of oversized tennis rackets and cricket ball tracking algorithms; technological innovations have been responsible for establishing many of the key periods in the history of sport.

In recent history, athletic performance across all sports has significantly increased. Sports enthusiasts want to see exceptional performances from the world's best athletes, and yet we are often uneasy when records are broken, fearing that it is artificial aids, and not the athlete’s individual effort that accounts for the achievement.

So where should we draw the line between the artificial and the natural in sport; between effective sports equipment and ‘technological doping’?

Dr David James is a leading sports engineer and his lecture will explore the effects of technological innovation in sport and navigate the moral maze of performance enhancement.

“There is no question that both science and engineering have dramatically shaped the modern sporting world and act as a catalyst to keep it exciting, competitive and relevant,” says Dr James. “At the very core of sport is the concept of fairness and the idea that true champions virtuously perfect their natural talent. The work of the scientist and engineer can appear to challenge these sporting values, but I argue that our work merely aides athletes to be the best they can be, despite the obstacles".