Group Presentation I

This week’s presentations explored the various technologies that involved from sports, biology warfare, animations in movie films and technologies that surround with social networking, gaming and media industry.

The first group presentation on sports was interesting and provokes many thoughts in my mind. This also draws my memories back to our recent Youth Olympic games that were held in Singapore. In line with its motto, sports aim to strive for “faster, stronger and higher” attributes in which this concept includes seeking for excelling and fairness in every sports athlete.  However, is this really happening today with the advances of technology?

To relate to the issue, the group illustrated by using the examples of a swimming competition. What makes the athlete different when everyone is under the water? The key element lies in the swim suit of the swimmer. ‘Speedo’ swim suits are specially engineered to minimize drag and resistance acting on the swimmer. It is made lighter and water repelling so that swimmers can get faster in water with 5% less effort for them to swim at the same speed. This technology is definitely amazing as it has broken world records. But can we place the same judgment on whether is it on their hard work or because of their swim suits? As far as I can say, the presence of technological advancements definitely makes the change possible. 

For instance, it relates me to using Michael Phelps into the illustration here. To good to be true? Michael Phelps, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, also wore Speedo swim suit (Fastskin FS-PRO swimsuit) during his competition. He is one of the first athletes to wear it in the water and it definitely gives him a competitive advantage over the others with the combination of lightweight fabric and speed. To best tap on one’s skills, the swimmer can always utilize the best technology.

Out of curiosity, I have done some research on the key features of Speedo Fastskin FS-PRO:

• Lightweight and powerful stretch
• Superior compression compared to other woven light suits
• Improved core stability compared to other woven light suits
• Improved fit through computer modeling and engineering
• Lower surface friction drag at a fabric level compared to other woven fabrics
• Lower overall passive drag compared to other light suits
• Water repellent and quick drying

The link is found here, http://swimming.about.com/od/swimsuits/a/FastskinFSPRO.htm

I look forward to see such interesting presentations for next week.

Rate: 8.5/10