Science profoundly influences various societal sectors, and sports is no exception. The integration of new technologies into major sports disciplines has brought about revolutionary changes, fundamentally altering the way athletes train, compete, and improve. From biomechanics to digital innovations, the landscape of sports continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Mixsport has compiled a comprehensive list of the most vivid examples showcasing how science has reshaped the sports world. Here's how technological advancements have accelerated the pace and intensity of competitions, enhanced fairness, and even expanded the audience's engagement through innovative viewing experiences.

Tennis became faster, and computers came to the aid of referees

In the mid-80s, graphite rackets began to be used instead of wooden and aluminium rackets, which made them more durable. Kevlar was also used to make rackets, which is distinguished by its strength. Such changes led to an increase in the intensity of the game, in particular, the speed of the serve began to exceed 200 km/h.

Due to the fact that a person at such a speed cannot accurately record all the movements of the ball and the place where it falls, the number of referee errors has increased significantly. This has led to the introduction of technology in tennis arbitration - now computers are also used to back up the umpires. In 2006, a professional tennis tournament for the first time used the Falcon Eye system, which simulates the trajectory of the ball and determines the point of impact. This is done using ten cameras that capture 106 frames per second. These frames are transmitted to computer screens without interruption.

However, it is likely that the Hawkeye will soon be replaced by the FOXTENN Top Real Precision System, which consists of 44 cameras capable of capturing 2500 frames per second. In fact, this system can completely replace referees.

A new format in hockey

Hockey has undergone changes similar to those in tennis. New composite sticks make it possible to throw the puck at a speed of 200km/h, and modified skates have doubled the speed of skating.

Due to this increase in speed and contact, the National Hockey League is testing a new match format - 5-minute overtime periods with three players from each team.

Smart ball in handball

As part of the Champions League, the iBall with built-in tracking sensors was used in handball. This ball can receive information about speed, final hit at a certain point, and flight path. Thanks to this, spectators quickly receive information about each throw, save, or combination. Commentators also have access to all the data regarding the strength and speed of each player’s throw on the court. This makes handball one of the most advanced sports in terms of technology. For fans of innovative technology in entertainment, platforms like Slotozen Casino bring a similar high-tech experience to online gaming, enhancing engagement through interactive and data-rich features.

Diversity in golf

Golf is one of the most conservative sports. But even here, new technologies have begun to be introduced to make it more interesting and expand the audience. Just like in handball, golfers started using a smart ball with a chip from OnCore Golf. The ball is able to transmit information about flight speed, distance, trajectory and impact force.

The next golf application is virtual reality for fans. With the help of 360-degree replays, all fans can get new emotions and sensations that cannot be obtained by watching a regular video or being present on the course. Thus, interest in golf is increasing every year among different audiences.

Technology is also used in the manufacture of equipment for golfers. According to data, about 50% of athletes who have been playing for more than 25 years experience discomfort in their legs, as well as cramps and tingling. To avoid this, the sports brand Adidas has created special shoes for golf. The fabric surface, porous upper and lower parts of these shoes allow you to stay on your feet for a long time, avoiding unpleasant sensations.

Cricket as a pioneer in the video replay system

Not long ago, few people knew about such an important element of a sports match as video replays. Even now, when technology has taken over the world, not all sports and leagues use the VAR system. Many players are in favour of the introduction of video replays, while some argue that it negatively affects the dynamism of the game. Nevertheless, video replays have already penetrated most world championships, so the use of VAR in all sports is not far off.

Most people think that video replays started to be used in basketball. But in fact, this know-how was first tried in cricket. It happened on 21 May 2001 during a game between England and Pakistan. The experience of using this system was recognised as successful, and after that it was introduced in other sports.

Banned swimming suit

In 2008, an innovative Speedo LZR Racer swimming suit was introduced. It is made of water-repellent material based on elastane-nylon and polyurethane. This suit is able to provide oxygen to the muscles and allows you to keep your body in the most comfortable hydrodynamic position. In addition, the seams are made using ultrasonic welding and compression panels are built in to give the body the most streamlined shape. In such a swimsuit, an athlete can swim much faster.

At the 2008 Olympics, swimmers broke 23 world records thanks to this suit. But in 2009, the use of Speedo LZR Racer was banned.

3D replicas in ice skating

Ice skaters also decided to improve their technique with the help of clothing. To make the perfect suit, manufacturers create 3D copies of athletes using motion capture. Then they model the skaters' shapes and blow them through a wind tunnel. This allows them to identify the materials with the lowest drag coefficient and make suits that will help athletes perform to the best of their ability.

Curling with new mops

In 2010, during the Winter Olympics, the Canadian national team decided to use ‘new generation brushes’, which allowed the ice to heat up faster than with conventional brushes. The women's team was able to increase their result from 1.2 degrees to 2 degrees, and the men broke all records by heating the ice to 3 degrees (with the usual figure of 2.2). The technology resulted in a first place finish for the Canadian men's team and silver medals for the women.

Doping

Unfortunately, doping has become a big part of big sport. Every year, we learn about new doping scandals involving famous athletes. Despite severe penalties, including life bans, laboratories are producing new drugs. And the athletes themselves do not hesitate to improve their functionality and endurance with their help.

Genetic engineers have decided to surprise the world of sports even more. They are actively developing a gene that can increase the number of red blood cells in the blood, which allows more air to enter the muscles. This will significantly improve performance in sports that require speed. For example, in running or cycling.

In fact, it's hard to imagine how scientific progress will change sports in 15 years. But the fact that these changes are unavoidable is already clear to every sports functionary. Many technologies do improve competitions, making them more interesting, convenient and transparent. But some, unfortunately, cancels out human efforts. Well, let's see how science will modify sports in the future.

Conclusion

The transformative influence of scientific progress on sports is undeniable and profound. As we have seen through these vivid examples, from tennis to ice skating, technology not only enhances performance and fairness but also revolutionizes the spectator experience, making sports more engaging and accessible to a global audience. Technologies like the Falcon Eye in tennis and smart balls in handball have set new standards for accuracy and viewer involvement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in competitive sports.

However, with these advancements come challenges and ethical considerations, particularly in the realm of doping and genetic engineering, where the line between enhancement and unfair advantage becomes blurred. The ongoing debate over technologies like the Speedo LZR Racer swimming suit highlights the need for regulatory bodies to adapt swiftly and responsibly to maintain a level playing field.

The future of sports will undoubtedly be shaped by further scientific breakthroughs. As these technologies become more sophisticated and integrated into every aspect of athletics, they promise to deliver even more dramatic changes. The key for sports governing bodies and the broader community will be to manage these changes wisely, ensuring that sports continue to be a source of inspiration, excitement, and fair competition. Thus, as we look forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders in the sports industry to work together to harness the power of science in a way that respects the spirit of competition and preserves the integrity of sport.