The Torun 2026 Indoor Track and Field World Championships not only stand out for the athletes' performances, but also for being the ideal stage to implement cutting-edge 3D technologies. The qualification of Spaniards like David García in 400m or Lorea Ibarzábal in 800m, and Yaroslava Mahuchikh's gold in high jump, can be analyzed with unprecedented detail using photogrammetry and LIDAR systems, transforming the perception of sports performance.
Photogrammetry and LIDAR: from high jump to race analysis 🏃♂️
Mahuchikh's feat of clearing 2.01 meters is a perfect case study for 3D photogrammetry. A high-speed camera system around the pit can reconstruct in 3D each phase of her jump: the approach curve, the takeoff point, and the center of gravity trajectory over the bar. In races, like García's 400m, LIDAR technology can map the track to analyze the kinematics of each stride, precisely measuring length, frequency, and support angles, identifying biomechanical inefficiencies imperceptible to the human eye.
Beyond performance: precision in officiating and training ⚖️
These tools also bring objectivity to officiating. Disqualifications in 400m or technical ties, like that of Ibarzábal and Arroyo, could be resolved with 3D models that determine positions and times with millimeter accuracy. For coaches, simulating forces and trajectories in virtual environments allows designing personalized strategies, even anticipating competition scenarios, marking the future of elite training.
How is 3D motion capture technology redefining technique and strategy in speed and jumping events for the Indoor Track and Field World Championships? 🏆
(PS: player tracking is like following your cat around the house: lots of information and little control)