Technology aids bid for 2012 gold

BRITAIN’s bid for Olympic gold in 2012 is being supported by a team of university technology experts.

MMU is among an elite team of engineers, material scientists and computing experts selected by UK Sport and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to provide world class equipment for athletes ahead of 2012.

A £2 million feasibility study is now underway to explore the scope for technical improvement in a bid to give British athletes the edge when the Games comes to London.

Dr Ji-Young Ruckman, a reader in clothing science, is one of a group of UK scientists selected to improve the kit for athletes in the watersport events: sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking.

Branson's balloon

With an outstanding track-record which includes developing survival suits for Richard Branson’s balloon circumnavigation of the globe and body-hugging shirts for the Italian Football team, Dr Ruckman is internationally-recognised in the science of textile materials.

She will work with UK Sport in developing and improving jackets, trousers and buoyancy aids for athletes who perform in outdoor waters.

Dr Ruckman said: "From my early observations and interviews with the GB team, there are a number of areas where we can improve in terms of weight, bulk and buoyancy of clothing."

A spokesman for the EPSRC said: "This is a joint EPSRC-UK Sport initiative aimed at supporting the quest for gold in the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.

Narrow margins win medals

"In competition medals are often decided by the narrowest of margins. Science and engineering have provided a number of key insights and these have often driven forward athletic achievement."

This is the first EPSRC grant secured by Clothing Design Technology at MMU.

For more about Clothing Science/Clothing Design Technology at MMU, go to the Hollings Faculty website.