Diving is a popular event for spectators, but it can also be rather confusing. We know that divers are rewarded for minimizing their splash, but what exactly does that mean Keep reading
Tag: Rio2016
Rio 2016: The Swimming Pool Controversy
Statistical analysis suggests possible current in the Rio Olympics swimming pool Several news outlets, beginning with The Wall Street Journal, are reporting that the swimming pool in Rio may have Keep reading
Rio 2016: Badminton
Badminton is unusual among racquet sports because it does not use a sphere as its projectile. Instead players hit a shuttlecock, traditionally made from a cork ball and a skirt Keep reading
Rio 2016: Sailing and Rule 42
If you watch some of the sailing in Rio, you may hear commentators mention sailors being penalized for breaking Rule 42. Broadly speaking, Rule 42 says that sailors can’t use Keep reading
Rio 2016: Long Jump
Long jump, like many track and field events, is affected by fluid dynamics in subtle ways. Both wind speed and altitude can modify a jumper’s performance – first, by changing Keep reading
Rio 2016: Synchro Swimming and Water Polo
Both synchronized swimming and water polo require competitors to hold themselves stable above the water’s surface without touching the pool’s bottom. One of the basic techniques for doing so in Keep reading
Rio 2016: Track Cycling
Track cycling is a sport where speed is everything. As much as 90% of the resistance a rider has to overcome is aerodynamic drag. To minimize drag, riders wear form-fitting Keep reading
Rio 2016: Table Tennis
Many sports use spherical balls, but the small size and weight of a table tennis ball makes it the one where aerodynamics have the strongest effect. Spin also plays a Keep reading
Rio 2016: Whitewater Sports
The whitewater rapids of canoe slalom have their origins in mountain streams. Today the sport’s Olympic venues are artificial rivers, specially designed to provide world-class rapids whatever the geography of Keep reading
Rio 2016: Rugby
The sport of rugby returns to the Olympics in Rio this year. Rugby’s ball is somewhat similar in size and shape to an American football, but it is a little Keep reading