Making a splash in aquatic sports timekeeping

MAKING A SPLASH IN AQUATIC SPORTS TIMEKEEPING

OMEGA has long been at the forefront of sport timekeeping technology. Working closely with FINA and the IOC, we ensure that our timing and measurement devices for swimming and diving events are as accurate and as precise as the aquatic athletes whose results we record.

2 swimmers seen from the very bottom of the swimming pool

SUPPORTING THE WORLD’S BEST SWIMMERS AND DIVERS

Swimming and diving competitions are among sport’s most popular events. OMEGA has been behind much of the timekeeping equipment used to measure the performances of these amazing athletes and the on-screen graphics that enhance the experience of fans watching at home.

Touchpad at the end of a lane in a swimming pool

TOUCHPADS: STOPPING THE CLOCK

The now-familiar touchpads, introduced in 1967, are unique in that they allow each swimmer to stop the clock by exerting pressure of between 1.5 and 2.5 kg (3.3 and 5.5 pounds) on panels at the ends of each lane.

Close view of a backstroke ledge in a swimming pool

BACKSTROKE LEDGE: ADDED POWER

The backstroke ledge improves the push and trajectory of the backstroke swimmers at the start of a race, providing them more confidence when the competition begins.

Lap Counter under the water in a swimming pool to count laps

LAP COUNTER: MORE CONCENTRATION

Lap counters count down the number of remaining laps for each swimmer, ensuring that the competitors can concentrate on their technique and on their position in the race instead of on the number of laps remaining.

STARTING BLOCK: OPTIMAL PROFILE

The adjustable slanted footrest on the starting blocks allows swimmers to use a crouch start with the rear-positioned leg at a 90° angle at the knee, generating an optimal starting profile for a more powerful start.

VIRTUAL DIVING ANIMATIONS

Innovative technology allows us to superimpose animated two-dimensional clips on TV screens, demonstrating an ideal performance of a dive. Each clip begins with the starting position and lasts throughout the flight.

THE QUANTUM AQUATICS TIMER

The Quantum Aquatics Timer records and distributes the times of each competitor in every event. With a resolution 100 times greater than previous devices, it signals a new generation of OMEGA timing technology.

THE OPEN WATER GATE

The Open Water Gate, developed for use in competitions in open water, is set up not only at end of the race but also in intermediate positions so times can be recorded and displayed throughout the race.

Set of 3 redlights on a swimming pool starting block

THE SWIMMING LIGHT SHOW

The innovative Swimming Light Show features lights mounted on the starting blocks. A system of dots indicates the top three swimmers’ positions at the end of the race, giving fans immediate access to the results.

SEE HOW WE TIME FREESTYLE

STARS OF THE POOL

It takes precision, strength and determination to make it as a true swimming legend. Over the years, OMEGA has witnessed many of the best. Distinguished athletes such as Chad le Clos, Alexander Popov and Michael Phelps have all proven themselves to be the worthy winners – and the perfect representation of timeless victory.

MICHAEL PHELPS

Will we ever see another like him? American swimmer Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning 28 medals over five Olympic Games, including 23 golds. He has led his sport with remarkable ambition and now set the mark for everyone else to follow.

CHAD LE CLOS

After a stellar performance at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Chad Le Clos, the South African swimmer, struck gold at London 2012, winning the 200m butterfly by 0.05 seconds. Le Clos has won the overall Swimming World Cup numerous times and claimed two impressive silver medals at Rio 2016.

ALEXANDER POPOV

At the age of 20, Alexander Popov won a historic 50 and 100 metres freestyle double at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before repeating the feat at the Atlanta Games four years later. He is now an inspiring figurehead in the sport and remains a true legend of the pool.

WATCHES FOR WATER WARRIORS

OMEGA AND FINA: SMOOTH WATERS

Our partnership with FINA is oriented toward the continuous improvement and invention of the most advanced timekeeping technology, ensuring that results are correctly measured, recorded, displayed and distributed.

Swimming