The science behind the performances of Olympic athletes will be revealed in a public discussion on 29 April at the University of Birmingham. Hosted by the Engineering & Technology Board (etb), in partnership with the Royal Institution (Ri), the session will help inspire more people to pursue education and careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).
Three Limits of Human Performance debates will take place around the country as part of the etb's year-long Engineering in the Olympics campaign showcasing the sector's contribution to the Olympic experience.
Speakers at the University of Birmingham on April 29 will include Dr Greg Whyte (Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport); Craig Sharp (Professor of Sports Science at Brunel University); Claire Davis (School of Engineering, Birmingham University); and James Lamont (Innovation Team Leader, adidas)
The etb and the Royal Institution are delivering the Limits of Human Performance debates in association with Nesta - the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and the Olympic Medical Institute.
Dr Greg Whyte, Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport, who will lead each event said: "Every four years Olympic records previously thought to be unbeatable are broken and new milestones are reached."
"These three public discussions will not only explain the science at work behind the Olympics, but also highlight the increasingly critical role science, engineering and technology plays in assisting athlete's participation, and success, in the world's greatest sports event."
Dr Whyte will open the discussion by providing an overview of human performance throughout history in our bid to become swifter, higher and stronger. He will be followed by leading industry experts, who will talk on:
i) the physiological limits of human achievement by looking at the differences between humans and animals in terms of speed and endurance;
ii) the advances in sports equipment technology and examine its impact on human performance; and finally
iii) the effect of advancements in drug testing technology on athletes' pursuit of excellence.
Also commenting on the debates, the etb's Chief Executive Alan Clark said:
"The Engineering in the Olympics campaign aims to encourage and inspire a new generation of engineers by championing the innovative and dynamic opportunities that this sector can offer.
"In an Olympic year, we hope these debates will showcase the innovative and creative role the science, engineering and technology sector can play in achieving British success at the Olympics."