Omega's Timekeeping Excellence at the Olympics

Swiss watchmaker Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, marking a significant milestone as the first company to oversee timing for all events. This partnership has evolved alongside the Games, reflecting the Olympic motto of “faster, higher, stronger,” as athletes consistently break world records and win by fractions of a second. The evolution of timing technology has been remarkable, from the rudimentary starting blocks used in the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896 to the sophisticated systems in place today. The introduction of semi-automatic timers in swimming in 1956 and touchpads in 1968 revolutionized how times were recorded. The Tokyo 2020 Games saw the incorporation of touchpads in speed climbing, showcasing the ongoing innovation in timing technology. In athletics, the 1984 introduction of false start detection systems in starting blocks further enhanced the precision of race starts, ensuring fairness among competitors. Omega has also developed advanced tools such as the electronic pistol, which synchronizes sound and light signals to provide athletes with an equal start. More recently, motion sensing and positioning systems have been implemented, capturing a wide array of performance metrics, including speed and trajectory, throughout an athlete's event. Among the latest innovations is the Scan’O’Vision Ultimate, a high-resolution camera that captures up to 40,000 images per second at the finish line, providing detailed composite photos of athletes. Additionally, Computer Vision Technology leverages AI to analyze performance data without the need for wearable tech, offering insights into race dynamics and outcomes.