Numbers Games: More data available to Olympians and NBC viewers than ever before

TOKYO – Michael Phelps describes himself as “a stat guy,’’ and the Tokyo Olympics is swimming in them.

When swimmers are in the pool, four image-tracking cameras at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and computer-vision technology generate a plethora of data, including meters per second, live position, number of strokes and acceleration/deceleration.

You've probably seen some of these numbers shown during broadcasts on NBC, and Phelps analyzing as a guest commentator for the network.

“This stuff is so fascinating,’’ said Phelps, who with 28 medals is the most decorated Olympian in history. “I honestly think it’s really going to change the sport.’’

The technology has been rolled out by Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympics. Full disclosure: Phelps is a spokesman for Omega. But this goes beyond swimming.

The technology is also being used in gymnastics and track and field, among other sports.

“It really adds to the whole show, I must say,’’ said Alain Zobrist, CEO of Omega Timing, told USA TODAY Sports.

Zobrist said Omega consulted with scores of athletes and coaches as the technology was being developed. “It was very important for us to understand which data were of value to them,’’ he said.

It’s no longer about only the final result, Zobrist said. It’s about studying data focused on reaction time, how a performance evolved and with the ability to compare one athlete's data to another athlete's data.

“Obviously when you can analyze your entire performance, over time, you will be able to recognize a pattern,’’ Zobrist told USA TODAY Sports. “Without a doubt, these patterns may influence athletes or trainers."

In gymnastics, "pose detection" technology registers the complete movement of the gymnasts and is available for judges to review an athlete’s technique.

In equestrian, the technology tracks the trajectory of a jump and time of flight over a jump as riders and their horses navigate the course.

In speed climbing, the technology tracks how long it takes climbers to finish each third of the race. It’s data that can be valuable for the climbers, said Marco Vettoretti, head of communications for the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

“Tiny details can make the difference between a win and a loss,’’ he said.

Phelps noted the technology’s ability to show at what points a swimmer accelerates or decelerates.

“I feel like that’s something you can really zone in on,’’ he said. “How can I be more efficient? I think that’s what these devices, this technology, will give us access to."

But not everybody sounds thrilled about it

In beach volleyball, players are wearing motion sensors that generate data on the speed of the players and the ball, the types of shots used and how high a player jumps.

“That’s cool," said Nick Lucena, a U.S. beach volleyball player. “I mean, I haven’t looked into the data. I’m wearing it, but as a 41-year-old who is limited on jumps. I know I got a certain amount left.”

Contributing: Alex Ptachick

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2021 Olympics: More data available to Olympians, NBC viewers than ever