Super Speedy Sprint at the Science Museum

Ever fancied being able to run as fast as Usain Bolt? Or jump as high as Ivan Ukhov? Come to the Science Museum to test your skills in a new event being hosted in partnership with Loughborough University – Super Speedy Sprint. There will be a media photocall to launch the event on Tuesday 14 August, 10.30am-12.00pm.

The event is part of the Science Museum’s Summer of Sport season which looks at how science and technology will deliver an excellent performance at sporting events this summer and in the future.

Super Speedy Sprint will run at the Science Museum from Tuesday 14 August until – Thursday 16th August.

 
MEDIA PHOTOCALL DETAILS

Event Title: Super Speedy Sprint
Date: Tuesday 14 August, 10.30-12.00pm.
Location: Antenna gallery, Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD
RSVP to Laura Singleton. E-mail: Laura.Singleton@sciencemuseum.org.uk or tel: 0207 942 4364.

Outline

Film / photograph visitors and an amateur runner from Loughborough University taking part in two sporting challenges as part of a new FREE event at the Science Museum called Super Speedy Sprint. The three day event is part of the Science Museum’s Summer of Sport season.

Key visuals / recording opportunities

· Who can jump the highest? Volunteers perform a squat jump on a force plate to determine how high they can jump. This type of jump is highly correlated with performance in the early phase of a sprint and the type of shoe worn can also influence performance.

· Who crossed the line first? Volunteers take part in a 5m sprint which is filmed using a high-speed camera and footage is edited to produce a final image of them crossing the finishing line.

· Experts from Loughborough University showcasing a prototype of a new sports shoe – designed to enhance performance.

· Vox pops with visitors (including children) taking part in the demonstrations.

Interviews

Chris Peploe, Researcher - Loughborough University
Corrinne Burns, Assistant Content Developer, Science Museum

The event is part of the Science Museum’s Summer of Sport season which will run throughout August. During this time there will be another live event and a display of four exhibits dedicated to looking at the science and technology of sports.

LIVE EVENTS

Sports Sense, 21-23 Aug, 11am – 4pm
How do scientists monitor athletes at breakneck speed without slowing them down? Scientists at Imperial College created small, smart sensors that give the low-down on health and performance without big bulky kit. See their sensors in action and meet the minds behind them.

EXHIBITS

Is simple design a fast track to a sustainable future?
The London Velodrome is one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings of its kind. The internal temperature is tightly regulated without any active heating or cooling and the roof collects rainwater to be used in the toilets and gardens. Plus, to reduce the need for electric lights – the roof has a series of long windows to allow natural light in. Supported by SITA Trust.

Will wearable sensors advance sports training?
How do scientists monitor athletes at breakneck speed? Scientists at Imperial College created small, smart sensors that give the low-down on health and performance without big bulky kit. Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Will phones replace cash and cards?
Turn your phone in to a ‘mobile wallet’. Find out more about the technology that will let you ditch cash and cards and just carry your phone. As well as buying things, you can use your phone to send money to people and transfer funds between your accounts. You can track your payments, and see where your money is going. The technology will be used in the Olympic Village. Supported by VISA.

How can new technology improve mobility?
Whether it’s for a casual stroll or a super-fast sprint, the design of a prosthetic leg will need to match its function. Two prosthetic legs, the Genium Bionic Prosthetic System and the running blade, improve mobility for different uses and are both on show. The Genium uses innovative technology to create more natural movement. Controlled by sensors and computer processors, it closely mimics the human leg when standing and walking. The running blade has a single use: athletics. You run on the balls of your feet, so the blade has no heel. It’s curved shape stores and releases the athlete’s energy. Both are made from carbon fibre that can withstand the pressure of everyday use and the intense demands of sport. Supported by Ottobock.

Where: Live Events - Antenna Gallery, FREE - ground floor Wellcome Wing
Cost: Free
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Science Museum Visitor Information:
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD.
Summer opening hours
Every day Monday – Sunday till 19.00.
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk / 0870 870 4868
Twitter – @sciencemuseum  Facebook – www.facebook.com/sciencemuseumlondon

Ends

For further information please contact, Science Museum Press Office – Laura.Singleton@sciencemuseum.org.uk or Tel: 0207 942 4364 @LauraSingleton3