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How much can athletics events really change? If people watched the recent 2024 Paris Olympics they could be forgiven for thinking that the games and events were the same they had always been. Some do change and even see tweaked rules, but we’re talking more in this guide about the way technology has changed athletics.
Not just the sports, but coverage of things that happen has been revolutionised by new tech. In the last 20 years we have seen unbelievable advancements (we didn’t even have smartphones 20 years ago!) How has this changed the way athletics works and how we view the top events as well as the way athletes actually prepare?
Streaming
The obvious that jumps to mind could be the fact that people can watch sports differently now and may use their phones or other devices to keep track. An area where technology has had a massive impact is in the way sports are consumed.
Specific streaming platforms like Discovery Plus are trying to make waves and buy the rights to new sporting events and they have revolutionised the accessibility of athletics, allowing fans to watch their favourite events from anywhere in the world. Streaming technology is actually not that new but the fact that internet connections have got faster and coverage is now more widespread makes it a possibility.
We see this streaming in the gambling industry a lot with sportsbook sites looking to give customers more ways to follow along. The casino industry has developed this technology simultaneously and many games that were previously restricted to interfaces now have ways for people to play while watching the game unfold. Roulette has been on a journey where it started as a game only played in person but the internet changed the whole way of playing and eventually streaming meant people could connect with live dealers and play live roulette games with a real dealer at the other end of the camera. Some people still use the interface and consumers like to have these choices but it shows the demand for streaming and the fact people often want to see the actual game unfolding.
We see this with sportsbook gambling, too, and gone are the days when sports enthusiasts had to rely on cable TV or be physically present at the venue to catch the action. When streaming this all gets a little easier and anyone with an internet connection can access live sports content, whether it’s a major international event or a niche sport with a smaller following. This democratisation of access has not only increased viewership but has also expanded the audience base for various sports.
Streaming platforms have also opened up new revenue streams for sports organisations. By offering subscription services, exclusive content, and interactive features, these platforms have transformed the way fans experience sports. The ability to watch multiple games simultaneously, rewind key moments, and access behind-the-scenes content has made the viewing experience richer and more engaging.
Streaming has also been a game-changer for athletes and teams and people may watch the so-called lesser events. Olympics and World Championships get huge levels of coverage and an incredible viewership but real enthusiasts may turn to streaming for the less popular and mainstream events.
Athletics Performance
Technology helps athletes and brands to push forward in ways they may not have even considered. It is easier for analysis to take place and important insights on athletes and their bodies make a big difference. Athletes continue to set records that seem like they are difficult to beat but it is possible that technology will help to push things in the right direction and shave minutes and seconds from some of the athlete’s times.
Wearable tech has made a big difference in this respect and has grown massively in recent years. Devices ranging from fitness trackers to advanced smart clothing have become essential tools for both amateur and professional athletes and are often worn during training. They provide real-time data on everything from heart rate and distance covered to more complex metrics like oxygen levels and muscle activity which can be invaluable to coaches.
Sports take a data-driven approach now and this has enabled athletes and coaches to make informed decisions about strategies. The tools to do this include the wearables that enable analysing the data from a training session. This may mean a coach can identify areas where an athlete may be overexerting themselves or risking causing an injury and correct the path for the future.
Conclusion
We can easily see how athletics has been altered by the forward-thinking technologies that are on the market – sports and athletics industries are worth billions of dollars to the economy and you only have to watch the Olympics to see this. For fans and athletes alike, tech has revolutionised the world of athletics.
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