In episode 5 of our podcast De Verschilmakers we dive deep into the world of sports and technology. We do this together with Kamiel Maase. Former top athlete, now performance manager Knowledge, Research and Development at TeamNL. With presenter Vivianne Bendermacher he discusses how technology plays a very important role in achieving top performances. And how athletes prepare for the Olympic Games. In this article you can read the highlights of this podcast.
The power of innovation and knowledge.
Kamiel Maase is responsible for bringing together knowledge, research and technology within TeamNL . All with the aim of improving the performance of Dutch athletes. To this end, he collaborates with universities, higher professional education institutions and companies. To develop innovative projects that support coaches and staff in subjects such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and sleep.
A good example of this is the collaboration with TU Delft and the Cycling Union, who together design and test aerodynamic suits for skaters and cyclists. Wind tunnels are used to improve the effectiveness of these suits. Such as the suit of skeleton athlete Kimberley Bos. This innovation helps athletes to gain that little bit of extra speed. And that can make all the difference during the Olympic Games .
Technology in practice.
Technology also plays an important role in monitoring and improving athletes’ performance. Kamiel explains how sensors and GPS systems are used to measure athletes’ load and make smart analyses. This allows coaches to make better decisions. And adjust training and strategies. They do this with very precise data.
AI and image recognition technologies are also used for motion analysis. These help to further improve the performance of athletes. These types of technologies ensure that every movement and strategy can be analyzed and improved down to the smallest detail.
Preparing for the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games are an important theme in this podcast. Kamiel explains how athletes prepare for this enormous challenge. An important part of their preparation is dealing with various environmental factors, such as heat. During the preparation for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, TeamNL worked on projects that help athletes with sports in the heat. For example, they used cooling vests and cold drinks. These dissipate heat, so that athletes cool down faster.
Another important innovation is the development of better sleeping conditions for athletes. Together with companies such as M-Line, TeamNL develops mattresses to improve sleep quality. Because good sleep is incredibly important for the recovery and performance of athletes. Kamiel emphasizes how important this is. And how technology can help to improve the sleeping environment. Which has a direct impact on the performance of athletes during the Games.
The future of sports and technology.
Kamiel also gives his vision for the future of technology in sports. He hopes that customized technological solutions will play a bigger role. Especially for special needs within different sports. For example, developing specialized equipment can help snowboarders improve certain movements.
Another great opportunity for the future is the use of technology to reduce jet lag in athletes. By developing programmed sleeping accommodations, for example with special lighting, Kamiel hopes that athletes will suffer less from jet lag in the future. That also ensures better performance.
People are central.
Technological progress is great, but people remain central to Kamiel’s approach. He emphasizes collaboration between scientists and athletes. To ensure that technological innovations are useful and easy to use. A good balance between people and technology, that’s what it’s all about.
Listen to the entire episode. And more.
For more insights and stories, listen to the entire podcast. It is now online and available for everyone to listen to. Discover how technology makes a difference in the world of top-level sports. Simply in your favorite podcast app. Want to listen to all the episodes that are currently available and be the first to know when a new episode is online? Check our Difference Makers page .
