Western Australia's elite swimmers will benefit from a new state-of-the-art above water/underwater multi-camera motion analysis system installed at HBF Stadium.
The cameras will enable swimmers from the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) including dual Olympian Blair Evans, world record holder Brianna Throssell and Paralympic hopeful Ben Popham, to obtain real time data for performance analysis.
The system consists of an above water camera to assess the block start, and 4 built-in underwater cameras (at 2m, 5m, 10m & 15m) to assess the glide and breakout off a start, and from each type of turn.
This system allows coaches to calibrate a section of the pool to derive a whole range of kinematic data including instantaneous velocity and distance measures through each phase of the start, turn and underwater kick.
The data collected will allow informed decision making around the optimal number of underwater kicks to perform off a start and turn for each individual to best develop portions of their race strategy and align their training accordingly for optimum performance.
Installation of the cameras has been made possible through a joint commitment between WAIS, VenuesWest and Swimming Australia, with support from Hancock Prospecting.
With eight months until the Tokyo Olympic Games begin the camera system has provided a boost to the WAIS swimming program as athletes continue training in a COVID-19 interrupted year.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"This year has been one of unpredictable and unprecedented disruption for our Western Australian Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls - so it is great our WAIS swimmers can continue their journey to Tokyo with access to the best technology there is.
"The McGowan State Government is proud to support WAIS - and this new underwater camera system will ensure WAIS athletes can optimise their performance in the pool."
As stated by WA Institute of Sport Chief Executive Steve Lawrence:
"The installation of the underwater camera system will enable WAIS to collect important data to analyse and assist athlete technique and performance potential.
"The ongoing support of the WA Government and VenuesWest, combined with the financial support from Hancock Prospecting for the camera software will enable WAIS to remain at the forefront of sport science.
"WAIS swimmers have long been recognised as some of the best in Australia and on the world stage and this system will enable them to have the best preparation ahead of the Tokyo Games."
As stated by dual Olympian Blair Evans:
"The installation of the new cameras is a huge benefit for me and the WAIS swimming program. It will enable us to optimise our technique and race strategy as we look to make continued improvements ahead of the Tokyo Games next year.
"I would like to thank the WA Government, VenuesWest and WAIS for their support as well as Gina Rinehart who continues to be a strong supporter of swimming in WA and her ongoing support means we have access to the best technology."
As stated by VenuesWest Chief Executive David Etherton:
"We are proud to support WA athletes as they continue to train during these uncertain times. We look forward to seeing the benefits this state-of-the-art camera system will bring to the WAIS swimming program."
