Despite its basis in human performance, modern sport is an increasingly technological endeavor. As top-level athletes look for advantages that can optimize results at the level of milliseconds, engineers are helping them set records and redefine what the human body is capable of. Unfortunately, prototyping is a slow and expensive process and misguided biomechanics experiments could cause injury. Elite athletes need results and safety every time they enter a competition.
Modern computing power enables engineers to run simulations that not only evaluate the athlete or the equipment, but a complete system comprised of athlete, equipment and devices under specific conditions. This speeds the development of better tools for the athlete and guides training programs toward the highest level of performance physically achievable.