Math in… Swimming

Swimming fast is tiring work! Olympic athletes have trouble performing at their peak as the race wears on.

Mathematician Ken Ono has been helping swimmers at the University of Virginia improve their form by using accelerometers to collect data from their swims.

Using linear algebra, he and his team can track inefficiencies and shave valuable seconds off the swimmers’ race times by recommending changes to their stroke, kick, and breathing patterns.

What other sports do you think could benefit from a little math?