America's Fastest Swimmers Use Math to Win Gold

Ken Ono, a number theorist, has been using mathematics to help swimmers improve their performance, leading to Olympic success. By collecting and analyzing acceleration data from swimmers, Ono identified weaknesses and provided insights to enhance their efficiency in the water. His methods have proven successful, with UVA athletes excelling at the Olympics and world championships. Ono's approach involves recording swims with high-definition video, accelerometers, and force paddles to analyze various aspects of a swimmer's technique. Linear algebra techniques are used to calculate force direction and efficiency, leading to personalized strategies for each athlete. By creating "digital twins" based on collected data, Ono can predict race outcomes and optimize performance. Despite challenges such as noisy accelerometer data, Ono's analytical approach has demonstrated significant improvements in swimmers' abilities. Through a combination of mathematical analysis, experimentation, and attention to detail, Ono aims to help athletes achieve their best performances and secure a place on the Olympic team.