Olympic Track The Science Behind Speed

The Violet Dash: Engineering Speed and Spectacle on the Modern Athletics Track

The casual sports enthusiast might perceive little variation between one athletic running surface and another. However, the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris will showcase a running surface within Stade de France that is patently distinct: a vibrant purple. This bold colour choice aims to make the competitions in Paris instantly memorable.

The journey to this eye-catching finish involved a meticulous installation process. For ten challenging weeks, battling damp and frigid weather subsequent to the Rugby World Cup conclusion in the October of the previous year, workers laid the specialised surface. Maurizio Stroppiana; his enterprise Mondo Group produced the track, expressed immense satisfaction with the final aesthetic. His Alba-based Italian firm boasts an unparalleled legacy, having supplied every Olympic running surface consecutively from the 1976 Games in Montreal. The enterprise, established by Edmondo Stroppiana, initially manufactured rubber bicycle tires in Italy's post-war period before venturing into athletic running surfaces in the 1972 year. Mondo confidently asserts that this Paris installation represents their fastest creation to date, promising a 2% speed improvement over the track used for the 2020 competitions in Tokyo.

Beneath the Bold Hue: The Mechanics of Speed

The striking purple is merely the visible layer of a sophisticated system. Concealed beneath the violet topcoat is a rubber running surface engineered with two distinct tiers. The lower portion features innovative honeycomb-shaped cells. These air-filled cavities serve a dual purpose: they cushion the impact of an athlete’s foot landing and then, as the air is expelled, return energy to the athlete, aiding their take-off. This intricate design underscores the scientific evolution of running surfaces. Alessandro Piceli, who manages research and development activities at Mondo, highlights the extensive work on this underlayer. He notes that a new polymeric granule, first introduced in Tokyo, has been further refined for Paris. The company actively collaborates with athletes. It invites them to test surfaces and provide feedback, ensuring continuous improvement in performance and biomechanical interaction.

A Leap from Tradition: The Stade de France Installation

Stade de France, an iconic venue, presented its own set of challenges for the track installation. The tight turnaround after a major international rugby tournament demanded precision and resilience from the installation crew. The ten-week period was characterised by inclement weather. This added another layer of complexity to the precise task of laying down the 17,000 square metres of high-performance material. Alain Blondel, an Olympic decathlete and current sports manager for the events in Paris, explained that the colour scheme was a deliberate choice. Incorporating two shades of purple and a contrasting grey for the outer curves, it aimed to align with the Games' overall visual identity and to make the athletes stand out. Even the adhesive used to secure the track to its asphalt base was purple, ensuring visual consistency.

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From Cinders to Synthetics: A Historical Perspective

Modern athletic running surfaces represent a significant departure from earlier surfaces. The era of Sir Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile in 1954 at the Iffley Road facility, part of the University of Oxford, saw athletes competing on cinder tracks. At that time, cinders were considered the pinnacle of running surface technology. Sir Roger, holding the presidency of the Athletics Club at Oxford University at that juncture, championed the project for the new running path to supersede its uneven forerunner. Thurston Bannister, his son, recounted that Sir Roger concluded a brand-new 440-yard (which converts to 402 meters) cinder path construction was imperative.

Cinders, which are porous volcanic rocks, were combined with other materials. To construct the uppermost layer of a running area, people would blend these cinders with substances such as clay, sphagnum moss, or even cinders derived from burning coal; these admixtures served to bind the surface materials. These tracks, gaining popularity in the mid-1800s, offered increased hardness and facilitated greater speeds as an alternative to the prevalent dirt, grass, or wooden paths. However, they possessed one substantial downside. Maria McCambridge, an Irish Olympian, an athlete who ran in the 5,000 meters event at the 2004 Games in Athens, vividly recalled that if conditions were in any way moist or damp, an individual would become thoroughly laden with dirt. She reminisced it was perpetually an amusing spectacle to observe one's state after a training period. Despite this, cinder remained the Olympic standard for many decades.

The Dawn of a New Era: Polyurethane's Arrival

A pivotal shift occurred at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics with the introduction of a polyurethane track. This synthetic surface, famously marketed as "Tartan" track because its manufacturer, 3M, also produced Scotch tape, revolutionised athletics. While not intrinsically faster than pristine cinder tracks, these polyurethane surfaces offered superior all-weather performance. Rainy conditions, which frequently led to the cancellation of athletics events on cinder tracks, posed a diminished concern for the new synthetic alternatives. The International Olympic Committee subsequently mandated synthetic tracks for international competitions. They valued their cleanliness, aesthetic appeal, ease of maintenance, and weather resilience. Polyurethanes, complex man-made polymers consisting of large molecules with repeating structural units, became the new standard.

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Enhancing the Formula: The Evolution of Polymers

Polyurethane track technology did not remain static. Shaun Goudie, who heads Sports Group, a company specialising in manufacturing sports surfaces for major global events, confirms that these materials have undergone substantial improvements over the years. Modern polymers offer a high degree of customisation. Scientists can now tailor them for specific properties. He mentioned that the array of polymers available to us presently permits highly specific tailoring for characteristics like resistance to athletic spikes and resilience against ultraviolet light degradation, prolonging the track's life and performance characteristics. This continuous refinement ensures that contemporary tracks provide optimal conditions for athletes across various disciplines. The development focus has always been on creating surfaces that can enhance athlete performance through improved rebound force, thereby potentially increasing stride length and speed.

Rubber Joins the Race: Mondo's Innovation

The 1976 Olympics in Montreal witnessed another significant development: the first Olympic track made from a rubber-based running surface, supplied by Mondo. This marked Mondo's entry as a key innovator in Olympic-standard surfaces, a role they have maintained ever since. Maria McCambridge, reflecting on her experiences, noted a preference for their inherent firmness of Mondo tracks. She professed a liking for their inherent firmness and stated she unequivocally believes they are considerably quicker than Tartan-type surfaces. She specifically recalled the outstanding Mondo running surface during the Olympics in Athens. However, this increased firmness also presented challenges. McCambridge added that some athletes specializing in distance events often reported experiencing extremely tight calf muscles for a period of several days following a race. Consequently, she also remembered that competitors in 10,000-meter races, for precisely this reason, frequently opted for racing flat shoes instead of spikes.

The Biomechanical Balancing Act: Hardness Versus Softness

João Bomfim, a polymer scientist based in Luxembourg with previous experience leading research and development work for Mondo, elaborates on the complex requirements of an ideal athletics track. He notes that an ideal running surface needs to embody seemingly contradictory qualities. Therefore, he explains, the optimal running path must achieve a balance of being both firm and soft. A harder surface generally allows for faster running. He offered an example, saying one can move more rapidly on concrete or asphalt in contrast to running on beach sand. However, athletes strike a running path with an impact force equivalent to approximately three times their body weight. This considerable force requires effective absorption or, at the very least, it should not be returned entirely at once, according to his explanation. The objective is to harness the impact energy to aid forward propulsion while minimising the risk of injury.

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Engineering Contradictions: The Two-Layer System

Mondo’s solution to this engineering puzzle involves a two-layer rubber system. By using two distinct layers and carefully selecting different constituent materials in the creation of each layer, designers can incorporate these opposing yet desirable characteristics into the track. Mr. Bomfim states that the strategic use of different additives during the rubber's preparation phase empowers the running surface designer to more precisely calibrate for enhanced energy absorption properties or greater elastic rebound characteristics. This sophisticated approach ensures that the track responds dynamically to the athlete's movements, providing a surface that is both forgiving and fast. This intricate balance is key to helping athletes achieve peak performance while reducing strain.

Polyurethane or Rubber: Modern Material Choices

Today, athletics clubs and major event organisers can choose between high-performance tracks made from materials like polyurethane or rubber. Tadhg Sullivan, associated with the Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club in Ireland, which had a Mondo rubber running surface installed in the 2022 year, sheds light on this. He points out that a primary differentiating factor between these two surface options involves their respective installation procedures. Workers mix polyurethane running surfaces directly at the installation location, creating a seamless finish. In contrast, manufacturers fabricate rubber surfaces in modular sections within a factory environment; workers subsequently transport these and piece them together to create the complete running path on site. This modular approach, Sullivan suggests, can make rubber-based running surfaces somewhat more convenient to install, particularly in nations that receive substantial rainfall, exemplified by Ireland, as it minimises weather-dependent on-site processes.

The Legacy Continues: Iffley Road Upgrade at Oxford

The Iffley Road facility, a historic site at the University of Oxford, the very location of Sir Roger Bannister's sub-four-minute mile, is itself receiving a modern upgrade. A brand-new polyurethane surface, manufactured by the German company Stockmeier, is currently being installed. This development is eagerly anticipated by athletes like Anika Schwarze-Chintapatla. A steeplechase athlete who is also undertaking medical studies at Oxford's Trinity College, she expresses her anticipation for the upgraded running path.

Her enthusiasm stems from previous experiences from conditioning on less forgiving surfaces, which unfortunately resulted in her sustaining stress fractures. She stated her profound excitement regarding the new running surface and conveyed that the prospect of injury would be a diminished concern. This new installation will also feature a dark blue color, aligning with the university's traditional shade. Schwarze-Chintapatla further added that running is deeply a mental and psychological contest, and there is undoubtedly a component related to the visual aspects, including the colors involved.

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The Palette of Performance: Colour in Track Design

The choice of track colour is not merely aesthetic; it involves technical considerations. João Bomfim observes that achieving any color besides black for rubber is the only straightforward option, noting that black is the standard color designated for vehicle tires. He points out that manufacturing rubber in any non-black coloration will invariably present a significant hurdle. He specifically notes that producing white rubber is a feat that borders on the impossible.

The 2024 track in Paris, with its distinctive two shades of purple (a lighter lavender for the main track and a darker variant for service areas) and grey for the outer curves, represents a deliberate move away from traditional terracotta. This specific purple was reportedly not even in Mondo's existing catalogue, highlighting a bespoke approach for the Games. The aim is to create a visually appealing stage that highlights the athletes and aligns with the broader colour palette of the competitions in Paris, which includes blue, green, and purple across competition venues.

The Green Revolution: Sustainability in Track Technology

Beyond speed and aesthetics, a significant driver in track development originating from the late 1990s continuing to the current period has been environmental responsibility. Initial efforts focused on the systematic removal of materials like asbestos and sulfur from track composition. More recently, the emphasis has shifted towards incorporating renewable materials and recycled content. Mr. Stroppiana states that the running surface prepared for Paris incorporates fifty percent recycled or renewable constituent materials. This represents a notable increase from, for example, the London 2012 Olympics, where tracks contained approximately thirty percent sustainable components. This commitment aligns with the International Olympic Committee's goal to make the competitions in Paris the most sustainable yet.

Mondo has actively pursued more sustainable production. Giorgio Lesage, Mondo's innovation and sustainability director, explained their continuous effort to use non-fossil, non-oil-derived products. The company's journey towards greater sustainability and use of renewable resources gained momentum around the London 2012 Games. Regarding the Paris running surface, Mondo even partnered with Nieddittas, a mussel farming and fishing company. They incorporated cleaned and powdered bivalve mollusc shells (like mussels and clams) into the track material. This innovative use of calcium carbonate from shells reduces landfill waste and the need for mining virgin materials.

Other Pioneers in Eco-Friendly Tracks

Mondo is not alone in this green initiative. Sports Group, for instance, markets the Rekortan brand; certain Rekortan systems utilize polyurethane originating from plant-based oils such as oils from canola and rapeseed. The Rekortan Gel series, their flagship eco-friendly product, boasts up to 84% renewable and recycled content. The gel component itself is created using a proprietary enzyme process with plant oils, significantly reducing energy consumption in manufacturing. These efforts by various manufacturers underscore a broader industry trend. Whether future surfaces appear in shades of red or striking purple, their underlying composition appears very likely to adopt an increasingly pronounced 'green' or environmentally sustainable character. Sport Group's manufacturing division, Polytex, holds ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 50001 (energy management) certifications.

Certification and Standards: Ensuring Fair Play

The performance characteristics of athletic running surfaces are not left to chance. World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport, plays a crucial role in setting and maintaining standards. They publish detailed specifications and testing protocols for synthetic track surfaces. This system arose from the recognition in the late 1980s that different track surfaces yielded varying performances. Athletes and organisers noted discrepancies – often describing tracks as "fast" or "slow," particularly concerning sprint events. The IAAF (now World Athletics) took these observations on board. This was especially true as harder surfaces designed for sprinters sometimes led to complaints of leg pain from distance runners. Consequently, a robust certification system ensures that tracks used for international competition meet stringent criteria for consistency, safety, and performance, contributing to fair competition globally. Rekortan, for instance, highlights that it has the most World Athletics certified tracks globally.

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The Athlete's Interaction: Shoes and Surfaces

The dynamic interplay between an athlete's footwear and the track surface is a critical factor in performance and injury prevention. Modern track surfaces are designed to complement the advanced technology in contemporary running shoes. Alessandro Piceli of Mondo mentioned that for the Tokyo track, a new granule of polymeric material was specifically inserted. This technology has been further refined for Paris. This focus is on optimising the "dynamic connection between the track and a new generation of shoes". The vulcanised rubber used in some Mondo tracks also offers good grip and resistance. This is particularly beneficial for Paralympic athletes using wheelchairs or prosthetics, ensuring the surface can withstand the more aggressive interaction without compromising performance or durability. The goal is always to enhance energy return while providing sufficient cushioning.

Beyond the Olympics: Community Impact

While Olympic tracks represent the pinnacle of surface technology, the advancements often filter down to community and university-level facilities. The installation of a new Mondo running surface at the Dundrum South Dublin club for Athletics, for example, provides local athletes with a top-tier surface for training and competition. Similarly, the investment by the University of Oxford in a new polyurethane running path at Iffley Road demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality facilities for student-athletes. These installations foster athletic development at local levels. They allow more athletes to experience the benefits of modern track design. The sports complex at Dundrum South Dublin, developed on the St Thomas estate, is intended as a multisport hub open to various clubs in the area, showcasing a broader community benefit. UCD in Dublin also saw a new track completed after a significant private donation, addressing a long-standing need for its large student body.

The Future of Track Technology: Smarter and Greener

The progression of athletic running surfaces is an ongoing process. Researchers and manufacturers continue to explore new materials and design concepts. Future innovations may include "smart tracks" embedded with sensors. These could provide real-time data on athlete performance, stride analysis, and force distribution. Further advancements in polymer science could lead to even more tuneable surfaces, offering greater customisation for different events or athlete preferences. The drive for sustainability will undoubtedly intensify. There will be a significant push towards fully recyclable or biodegradable track systems that minimise environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. The cost of these high-tech tracks, with estimates for some Olympic installations reaching between two to three million Euros depending on the scope, underscores the significant investment in creating world-class athletic environments.

The quest for the perfect running surface is a marathon, not a sprint. From the humble beginnings of cinder paths to the sophisticated, multi-layered synthetic systems of today, athletics tracks have been continuously refined. The striking purple track awaiting athletes prepared for Paris represents more than just a visual statement; it is the culmination of decades of scientific research, material innovation, and a relentless pursuit of speed, safety, and, increasingly, sustainability. As athletes push the boundaries of human performance, the surfaces beneath their feet will continue to evolve in tandem.