Science of the Summer Olympics: Engineering in Sports

Boxers wearing safety helmets

Video

Designing Safety Helmets

Safety helmets are an essential part of athletic gear

Bryan Clay in the air during long jump

Video

Maximizing the Long Jump of Bryan Clay

The long jump is one of the most technically challenging events in the decathlon

Screen showing race finish

Video

Measuring a Champion

Timing is everything

Researcher and wheel chairs

Video

Engineering for Mobility

Elite athletes with disabilities rely on strength, speed and skill

Sprinter Usain Bolt running on a track

Video

The Biomechanics of Usain Bolt

Bolt's stride, strength, and muscle coordination make him a biomechanical marvel

Athlete Sarah Robles lifting weights

Video

Sarah Robles and the Mechanics of Weightlifting

U.S. weightlifter Sarah Robles relies on an athletic mix of strength, speed and timing

Lanes of Olympics swimming pool

Video

Designing a Fast Pool

Through advances in pool design, engineers are helping swimmers reach their maximum speed

Swimmer Missy Franklin in the water

Video

Missy Franklin & Fluid Dynamics

Swimmers need to master the principles of fluid dynamics in order to be the fastest in the pool

Jenny Simpson running on special treadmill

Video

The Impact of Jenny Simpson

Many runners suffer injuries to their joints due to repeated impact

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