NSWIS launches a world first

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) and Altitude Technology Solutions (ATS) today launched a revolutionary new altitude training system at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

The new system, a pool-based training system, is a canopy which covers two, 25 metre lanes of a swimming pool. The design includes a hypoxic system that generates an environment similar to that experienced during altitude training.

The innovative, aquatic system is complemented by the Institute’s environment room, hypoxic tents and converted altitude motor home providing flexibility for non-aquatic options for athletes to train in an altitude environment.

The new system is a world first and only of its kind worldwide, giving the Institute’s athletes a distinct head start on their competitors. It will provide the opportunity for athletes to gain the advantages evidenced by altitude training in their home environment, foregoing the need to relocate overseas in the lead up to major events.

NSWIS Chief Executive Charles Turner is looking forward to the world first opportunities the system will provide, saying, “The Institute and our athletes are excited by the partnership with ATS, and the prospects of the sustained use of their products.

“Its mobility and the fact you can use the system for 12 months of the year in varied conditions provides a real boost ahead of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“This is a cutting edge initiative by the NSWIS, giving Australia’s top swimmers exposure to a training stimulus which is available to few in the world,” said Australian swimming head coach, Leigh Nugent.

“This innovation will add value to the to the current suite of resources available in the NSWIS altitude program, which can only be advantageous to our swimmers as they prepare for London and Rio further down the track”.

The Institute’s Principal Scientist, Kenneth Graham, who was on hand to launch the product, is looking forward to the results which may be achieved from the new system, saying, “Hypoxia can contribute to a greater rate of training adaptation by increasing the training stimulus and response.

This can result in greater rates of improvement and completion performance.”