Canada has gone high-tech in its effort to put in a better medal showing on home soil. Here's a look at some of the gear that went in to the country's Own the Podium effort.
Ina Fried
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
Canada has gone high-tech in its effort to put in a better medal showing on home soil. Here's a look at some of the gear that went in to the country's Own the Podium effort.
Among the projects are efforts by University of British Columbia professor Savvas Hatzikiriakos to look at microscopic ice friction in an effort to help speed up Canada's speedskaters. Here, Hatzikiriakos inspects the base of an optimized blade base for speed skating.
2 of 4 Courtesy of Savvas Hatzikiriakos
Easing the friction
An experimental setup at the University of British Columbia used to test the friction of various compounds. The bottom plate has the ice and the top has a ring with a plastic base that is to be tested in friction by rotating the top plate over the ice.
3 of 4 Courtesy of Savvas Hatzikiriakos
Trying to build a better base
A close-up image shows how newer ski bases are able to better repel water, much like liquid off a Teflon pan.
4 of 4 Own The Podium
Body in motion
One aspect of the top secret program has been using motion technology to measure the body position of top athletes.
