Great Britain has achieved its best Olympic gold medal haul for more than a century – and it’s with thanks to pioneering UK research that is maximising athletes’ potential.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) has produced a film which highlights the exciting research behind diving ahead of the Individual Men’s 10m Platform events this weekend (Friday 10 and Saturday 11 August), where Olympic star Tom Daley will be going for gold to add to Team GB’s growing collection. The film is available to view here.
Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Diving was filmed at an RCUK event held at the Plymouth Life Centre in July, where world-class researchers and athletic stars showcased amazing demonstrations and gave the public a chance to share views on the research behind the UK’s sporting achievements.
The event featured diving demonstrations from Tom Daley, and leader of Team GB’s Diving Team Andy Banks talked about how research brings out the best in his athletes. “There’s so much science in diving”, he said. “It’s all about biomechanics – the science of movement, how you make rotation happen, how you make dives safe, and how you create height and power.”
Other speakers included Professor Andrew Lane who talked about emotion regulation and working with athletes to maximise their performance under pressure. Professor Alan Wing, an expert in human movement, talked about his work on how divers synchronise their movements. Dr David James also led an interactive discussion on how far research and new technologies should be used in the quest to win gold.
The event was hosted by top sport’s scientist Professor Steve Haake. He added: “There are a number of things that go into winning a gold medal. A lot of it is endeavour and coaching, but the difference between not getting a medal and getting a medal can sometimes come down to the science behind sport.”
This film is the last in the series which has focused on a range of sports including sailing, cycling, athletics and triathlon. Cutting Edge 2012 is an RCUK initiative, in partnership with the Royal Institution, the Department for Innovation and Skills, The Institute of Engineering and Technology and PODIUM (the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 Games).
All Cutting Edge 2012 films are available to view here.
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Further information
Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark
Notes to editors
Cutting Edge 2012: The Research Behind Sport is a series of six events which took place across the UK. Details of these events is as follows:
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Basketball, Wednesday 25 January, The Royal Institution, London.
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Triathlon, Tuesday 27 March, Carriageworks, Leeds.
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Athletics, Thursday 26 April, English Institute of Sport, Sheffield.
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Sailing, Thursday 24 May, Weymouth Sailing Academy, Weymouth.
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Diving, Thursday 5 July, Plymouth Life Centre, Plymouth.
- Cutting Edge 2012: Behind Cycling, Thursday 19 July, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow.
All Cutting Edge 2012 films can be found here.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).