In the 1960 Olympics in Rome, a controversial gold medal was awarded in the 100-meter freestyle men’s swimming event. Australian swimmer John Devitt and American Lance Larson both finished with the same time of 55.2 seconds, but only Devitt was awarded the gold medal. This incident shed light on the need for more accurate timing methods in swimming competitions.
The timing of swimming events used to be done by three timers per lane, averaging their times. In the case of a tie, a head judge would make the final decision. However, in the case of Devitt and Larson, despite Larson being technically faster, the judge declared a tie. This controversy led to the development of touch boards at the ends of swimming lanes by Omega in 1968 to eliminate human error in timing.
Advancements in Technology
Alain Zobrist, head of Omega’s Swiss Timing division, spearheads the innovation behind timekeeping in sports. New technologies like the electronic starting pistol connected to speakers for staggered-lane races and Scan-o-Vision for quick photo finishes have revolutionized timekeeping in swimming competitions. Omega is no longer just about timing races but also about telling the story of the race.
As the Olympics evolve, so does the technology behind timekeeping. Zobrist mentions that 2018 was a pivotal year for Omega, indicating that more advancements are on the horizon for Paris 2024. The storytelling aspect of races will become more intricate, providing viewers and athletes with a richer experience beyond just the final results.
The evolution of timekeeping in Olympic swimming has come a long way from the controversy of the 1960 Rome Olympics. With advancements in technology and a focus on eliminating human error, Omega’s Swiss Timing division continues to push the boundaries of precision timing in sports. As we look ahead to Paris 2024, we can expect even more innovations that will enhance the overall experience of swimming competitions for athletes and spectators alike.
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