Scientists to reveal how Olympic success can be engineered

Three Limits of Human Performance debates will take place around the country as part of the etb's year-long Engineering in the Olympics campaign showcasing the sector's contribution to the Olympic experience. 

Speakers at the University of Birmingham on April 29 will include Dr Greg Whyte (Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport); Craig Sharp (Professor of Sports Science at Brunel University); Claire Davis (School of Engineering, Birmingham University); and James Lamont (Innovation Team Leader, adidas)

The etb and the Royal Institution are delivering the Limits of Human Performance debates in association with Nesta - the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and the Olympic Medical Institute.

Dr Greg Whyte, Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport, who will lead each event said: "Every four years Olympic records previously thought to be unbeatable are broken and new milestones are reached."

"These three public discussions will not only explain the science at work behind the Olympics, but also highlight the increasingly critical role science, engineering and technology plays in assisting athlete's participation, and success, in the world's greatest sports event."

Dr Whyte will open the discussion by providing an overview of human performance throughout history in our bid to become swifter, higher and stronger.  He will be followed by leading industry experts, who will talk on:

i) the physiological limits of human achievement by looking at the differences between humans and animals in terms of speed and endurance;
ii) the advances in sports equipment technology and examine its impact on human performance; and finally
iii) the effect of advancements in drug testing technology on athletes' pursuit of excellence.

Also commenting on the debates, the etb's Chief Executive Alan Clark said:

"The Engineering in the Olympics campaign aims to encourage and inspire a new generation of engineers by championing the innovative and dynamic opportunities that this sector can offer. 

"In an Olympic year, we hope these debates will showcase the innovative and creative role the science, engineering and technology sector can play in achieving British success at the Olympics."

Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of NESTA said:
 
"We are delighted to be working with the etb in highlighting the essential role played by engineering in this year's premier sporting event, the 2004 Olympics. Such collaborative work is what NESTA is here to encourage, working across science, technology and the arts to support UK innovation and help it thrive"

Tickets for the Birmingham date of the Limits of Human Performance discussions are free, and can be reserved by either calling 020 7557 6410 or logging onto www.engineeringintheolympics.com/human  where there's also a chance to win a trip to the Athens Olympics as well as kit signed by Olympic Gold medallist, Jonathan Edwards.