OMEGA reveals Olympics timekeeping expertise

Recently, the Swiss brand unveiled the many pieces of equipment it required for the Speed Skating events, where the difference between gold and silver is measured in thousandths of a second

During the Olympic Winter Games that took place at PyeongChang in February, numerous medals were contested and won in all of the 102 events. For OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, every sport required its own unique technology and innovation.

For the Speed Skating events, OMEGA’s job begins on the start line, where timekeepers use the modern electronic starting pistol to launch the action. In comparison to traditional pistols, the e-gun now uses light and sound to generate a precise and equal start for all competitors.

As the athletes race around the track, OMEGA continues its job with a lap counter positioned near the finish line, as well as a traditional last lap bell that rings on the definitive loop. The racers are also fitted with OMEGA’s transponders, which capture a range of live information, such as speeds and comparisons. This is beneficial for athletes to later analyse their performance and also gives spectators at home a deeper understanding of what is happening.

At the finish line, OMEGA’s 86-year expertise and experience is truly highlighted. The brand’s red photocells, set at ankle-height, emit a beam of light across the line and, as soon as the blade of the winner’s skate crosses over, the photocells capture a precise and reliable time, which is instantly projected onto scoreboards within the stadium and to televisions at home.

OMEGA also has its Scan’O’Vision MYRIA photofinish camera positioned above the ice. The camera takes 10,000 digital images per second and is the official means for OMEGA to determine the final positions of every race. Speed Skating at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games began on February 10 and continued until February 24.