In the world of sports, timing plays a crucial role in determining the winner of a race or an event. Back in 1960, at the Olympics in Rome, a controversial decision was made in the men’s 100-meter freestyle swimming event. Australian swimmer John Devitt and American Lance Larson both finished with the same time of 55.2 seconds. Despite Larson being technically faster by one-tenth of a second, the head judge, Hans Runströmer, declared Devitt as the winner. This incident shed light on the potential for human error in timing races.
As a result of the controversy surrounding the 1960 Olympics, Omega took the initiative to develop touch boards for the ends of swimming lanes. These touch boards allowed athletes to stop their own timing, eliminating the need for multiple timekeepers and reducing the risk of errors. This marked a significant advancement in timing technology in the world of sports.
Omega’s Swiss Timing division, headed by Alain Zobrist, is responsible for timing, measuring, and tracking in a wide range of sports events. Over the years, Omega has continuously innovated its timing technology to ensure accuracy and efficiency in recording race results. From electronic starting pistols connected to speakers for staggered-lane races to Scan-o-Vision technology that can capture 40,000 digital images per second, Swiss Timing has revolutionized the way races are timed.
Swiss Timing’s approach goes beyond simply recording start and finish times; they aim to tell the story of the race itself. Each race has its own unique plot lines and moments that contribute to the overall narrative. By providing detailed and accurate timing data, Swiss Timing enhances the viewer’s experience and contributes to the excitement of sports events.
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Swiss Timing continues to push the boundaries of timing technology. The year 2018 was a pivotal moment for them, as they introduced new innovations and enhancements to their timing systems. With each passing year, Swiss Timing strives to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and overall experience of timing sports events, ensuring that every race is not just about the result, but about the story it tells.
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