How much faster can


runners go?


How to get faster running tracks


 Scrap IOC rules on maximum altitude of 1,000m above sea level. This figure has been made up for more


or less no reason.  Install wind turbines


behind 100m runners to ensure tailwind of


+2m per second.  Hi-tech track could shift its shape at the


or maybe permanent smiles for synchronised swimmers.’ But what about you? Key to the


future success of the Olympics is how we ‘take part’ in future Games. One day the billions of people who can’t be there will be able to watch the 100m final in 3D, and competitors will run with tiny, lightweight cameras in their shades. And swimmers will use cameras in goggles to heighten the experience of ‘being there’. ‘Viewers will have increasing


choice of what they watch, from various camera angles attached to athletes,’ says Chadwick. ‘In F1, they tried for several years to introduce cameras and to perfect the technology. Now it’s commonplace.’ ‘Athletes will be wired up so


we can see their stats live,’ adds Burbidge. ‘This can be used for TV commentary, instant results checking or even betting. ‘They will wear dynamic display clothing to reflect countries, positions on tracks and other information, even advertising.’


press of a button to create banked turns like a velodrome for faster 200m and


400m times.  Powerful air filters to remove pollution and lower humidity in


stadium.  Have the race in a vacuum, says futurologist Dino


Apps will develop to change


the way we experience the Games. ‘Technology will be used by competitors, visitors and TV to unite the languages. Apps such as WorldLense or Apple’s Siri are starting to do this,’ says Burbidge. ‘Plus we’ll see location-based apps or augmented glasses for visitors to make the host city a seamless and friendly experience.’ Chadwick agrees. ‘We’ll see apps


being used as a way of engaging audiences, giving them new, different and unique experiences.’ The human element is vital. ‘One of the things the Olympics stands for is the strength of the human spirit, so I don’t think cyborgs will take over for a while yet.’ ‘I want to see nano-particle


stadiums or venues,’ says Burbidge. ‘Equipment can be generated on the fly and change in mid-use to create handicaps or respond to the athlete’s mind requests or performance.’ And that really would put the ‘modern’ into the modern Olympics.


Final destinations Where we would like to see the future Games


The poles Biodome multi-storey stadium would allow all the events to be held around the North or South pole. The truly global event would be centred around the entire world.


The Moon Zero gravity games will happen one day. And the IOC will make a fortune from space travel.


Luxembourg Good travel links and a real village feel thanks to its population of only half a million.


Kenya Middle and long-distance world records would tumble as the locals clean up. Use of local geothermal electricity would make the Games green.


China With a running track near Mount Everest for benefits of high altitude. Plus social media potential in the world’s most populous nation.


Burbidge. Athletes hold their breath for 10 seconds but get the


boost of zero drag.  Put a launch boost in the blocks, like launch control in F1. It springs back against the blocks when you push off and the quicker you react, the more you boost.


Links to the future


Futurologist Dino Burbidge reveals how you can see glimpses of future Games right now...


 Athletes use external equipment, so why not fully functioning, running, swimming, jumping robots or even flying quadrocopters? See www. youtube.com/watch?v=YQIMGV5vtd4


The robot Olympics will remove any need for that nasty physical exercise


 360º cameras will offer amazing and fully immersive viewing. See http://bit.ly/rdb208


 Mind control could be used in Olympic events. See www. youtube.com/watch?v+cgVv2h9eZJI and vimeo.com/26640024


The closing ceremony could feature something created from visitors and athletes’ experiences. It could use the audience as a giant display. See www.youtube. com/watch?v=OMDiP58ErtM


 Plus the audience could ‘play’ with the environment. See www.teehanlax.com/labs/tvi/


London 2012 will have the most expensive hurdles ever


Japan To inspire a new generation of high-tech gadgets, kit, stadia and cameras


Multi-nation Games All-encompassing global communication makes a single physical venue less important. Events in different countries would spread the cost for smaller nations.


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