Cycling athlete Wong Wan-yiu wins a gold medal at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics

Squash team wins 3 medals at the 14^th Asian Squash Championships

The Hong Kong squash team won 1 bronze medal and 2 silver medals at the 14^th Asian Squash Championships held on 13-21 February in Kuwait.

Tenpin bowling athlete Wu Siu-hong wins a silver medal at the 7^th Qatar International Open Bowling Tournament

Elite results roundup (15 December 2007 – 14 January 2008)

SPORTSCODE software application in elite training

Technique analysis is commonly used in high-performance sports training to improve athletes' sports performance. In the past, data processing which aided to help understand and improve athletes' performance in the competitive sports arena was time consuming and the analysis was often too abstract. Nowadays, with the development of sports science, many kinds of new analytical tools are developed to provide more objective information and data analysis for easy reference of coaches and athletes. These tools play a particular vital role in improving the techniques of elite athletes.

The HKSI is using the biomechanical technique analysis software, namely SPORTSCODE, which is developed in Australia. Its main features include: (1) Side-by-side comparison between the video clips showing action techniques of different athletes in different times and at different locations; (2) Use of technique and tactic statistical analysis comparing the different techniques and tactics of athletes. The software application is to get the athletes' video clips taken during training and competitions first. Then, use SPORTSCODE to carry out technical and tactical analysis to identify the inadequacies of the athletes and implement focused training accordingly.

SPORTSCODE can be applied to many sports, including most of the elite sports of the HKSI, to help understand and compare the performance of athletes. The following examples illustrate application of the software.

Example 1: Statistical analysis of fencing techniques and tactics application

Statistical calculations can be done in analysing fencing techniques and tactics with "Matrix calculation" function (a kind of analysing tool in mathematics) of SPORTSCODE. Athletes performance in competition is categorised into two basic elements in the matrix: behavior and results. Athletes' scoring tactics and ratio are systematically presented in the processed results of the competition. Coaches and athletes can analyse the advantages and disadvantages in techniques and tactics of both sides through this function.

The advantages and disadvantages of the major techniques and tactics of both athletes are clearly shown in the matrix.

Comparison of range of attack between athletes with “Coordination” function of SPORTSCODE.

The strike length is obviously different between the Hong Kong athlete on the left (1.30M) and the Chinese athlete on the right (1.79M).

Example 2: Comparing techniques in overwater and underwater stroke of different athletes

(1) Overwater stroke

The water entry distance of athletes can be calculated with the help of “Coordination determination” function of SPORTSCODE. The distance of the athlete on the right (2.7M) is shorter than the one on the left (3.35M) obviously.

(2) Underwater gliding stroke

(2a) There is a big difference between the water entry angles of the two athletes.

(2b) Athletes' variation in underwater gliding trajectory is also obvious.

(2c) Besides side-by-side comparison, overlapping comparison is feasible with SPORTSCODE. The comparison is even more direct.

Example 3: Statistical analysis of table tennis techniques and tactics application

Take a table tennis competition between Hong Kong and Japan as an example, statistical analysis generated from SPORTSCODE enabled coaches and athletes to locate the desired segments of the video clips easily. Then, one can observe and understand the winning strategies of our side and the scoring reasons of the opposite side by clicking the corresponding boxes or rows in the matrix.

Firstly, establish a calculation model on the techniques and results of the table tennis competition with “Matrix analysis” function. Then, input all sub-items in the two major elements, techniques and results, which require comparison and analysis.

Conclusion

The major advantage of SPORTSCODE in technique analysis is the visualisation of the biomechanical technique analysis report. It helps coaches and athletes to comprehend the related data easily and improve the deficiencies of technique analysis in the past, thus greatly enhance the performance of athletes.

Yu Chui-yee speaks at a large-scale insurance conference

The positive and healthy image of local athletes has been attracting invitations from commercial firms to athletes to share their success stories. Recently, wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee, who captured four gold medals in the 2004 Paralympics, was invited to speak at an Agency Communication Meeting organised by Fortis Insurance Asia on 26 February. Being one of the eminent speakers of the meeting, she inspired 2,600 participants by sharing her extraordinary life story and her path to success. Other speakers of the meeting were Antony Leung Kam-chung, former Financial Secretary of the HKSAR and senior executives in the insurance industry.

Athletes share preparation of the Olympics at a web radio programme

A RTHK web channel Teen Power has specially featured a Sports Session in its programme entitled Trendy Icon from 15 February to September. Sports science professionals from the HKSI were invited to introduce a broad spectrum of support for athletes in preparation for international competitions. This includes nutrition consultation, psychological counselling, injury and recovery monitoring, strength and conditioning, etc. Moreover, over 20 local athletes were invited to share their unforgettable experiences and targets ahead with the audience. Interested parties may visit: http://teenpower.rthk.org.hk (live) or http://teenpower.rthk.org.hk/program/trend/index_new.htm (archive) for the Sports Session of the Trendy Icon, broadcast every Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 pm.

New references at the Sports Information Centre (SIC)

Architecture on sports facilities
(SIC call no.: NA6860 .B76 2005)

Written by Carles Broto, and published by Page One Publishing Private Limited in 2005, this book compiles a wide selection of installations, from indoor to outdoor, public to private, school gymnasiums to large stadiums. It uses sample venues to illustrate ways to meet requirement of sporting regulations and to avoid the pitfalls of standardisation that may cast over infrastructures. Full color photographs, transparent drawings and detailed indications provide new, aesthetic inspirations to readers. Architects and professionals in sports facility management will find it useful.

The complete guide to fencing
(SIC Call no.: GV1147 .C667 2007)

Edited by Berndt Barth and Emil Beck and published by Meyer & Meyer Sport in 2007, this is a comprehensive, evidence-based reference for training in competition fencing. It covers concepts of training theory and their application. This book features basic training methods; training methods adapted for young athletes; training methods specific for foil fencing, epee fencing, and saber fencing; aspects of sports medicine to be considered in training; and international development trends in fencing. It is a useful book for fencing coaches and athletes.