What is this device that allows you to run faster ?

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While the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have just ended, here is a tool that could well be used by athletes who will participate in the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Indeed, a group of researchers from the university ETH Zurich (in Switzerland) has developed an astonishing shield designed… to help runners improve their running speed. Aspen Noah Lyles ?

An “air shield” to boost the performance of athletes ?

The Airshield (that's its name) is not any exoskeleton, but rather a plastic box which will be towed in front of a runner while& #8217;he's training. The objective here is to allow the athlete to train in a form of protective bubble, without having to worry about any wind resistance.< /p>

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As seen in the video above, the shield (pulled by an electric kart connected to LiDAR sensors) essentially functions as an air deflector, completely eliminating wind resistance. This allows the racer to improve their racing speed, and reach new levels of performance. According to the designers, even after the shield is removed, the racers will still be able to reach this same level of performance.

The Airshield also comes equipped with multiple cameras, allowing engineers to film the athletes from multiple angles as they train. These images can then be viewed to assess the runner's performance and determine areas for improvement in future training sessions.

Let's remember that in running, a “substantial” wind (i.e. a wind more or less equal to the pace at which you are running) makes you lose about 19 seconds per km with a headwind, but allows you to gain 9.6 seconds per km when it is from behind. Wind resistance is crucial in many sports, particularly cycling, with the “drafting” technique, i.e. positioning yourself just behind another runner, in order to reduce wind resistance.

At present, the Airshield is still at the prototype stage. No information has been communicated on when it will actually be used for regular training, or even on the real possibility of using it one day. So, watch this space.

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