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World Aquatics Creates First List of Approved Wearables for Swim Races

World Aquatics created its first list of approved wearables ahead of the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

The list, approved on July 5, 2023, includes a wide range of wearable technology, including heart rate monitors, GPS trackers, Glucose sensors, general sensors, and a transponder. A total of 11 products have been approved.

A total of seven manufacturers have so far have had devices approved. That includes heart rate monitors from major brands like Garmin and Polar, those from swim-specific brands like Tritonwear (the Triton 2 unit), and even a German research institute, FES Institut.

World Aquatics (then FINA) allowed wearable technology in races beginning on January 1, 2023, with the restriction that the devices cannot be used to transmit data, sounds, or signals to the swimmer.

It is not clear how widespread the use of these devices are at this time, as they weren’t clearly visible in any athletes at the World Championships or Pan American Games.

Tritonwear is a SwimSwam partner.

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tea rex
1 year ago

World Aquatics (then FINA) allowed wearable technology in races beginning on January 1, 2023, with the restriction that the devices cannot be used to transmit data, sounds, or signals to the swimmer.

I hope this doesn’t turn into a technological arms race, but it could be hard to “prove” a device is transmitting or not. Look no further than the world of chess…

SwimmerGuy
1 year ago

I think the big value to this is for the in-season races. Gather more precise data, understand where to focus training on and then race as normal.

GrameziPT
1 year ago

I think it would be more helpful (in pool competitions), to have time displaying clocks at the 50 on floor of the pool. Or at the both ends of the pool. I think it would help a lot for races 200, 400, 800 and 1500. Maybe some records like the 400 or the 1500 for men would have fallen already with the athletes being able to pace it a little better if the know what time they are doing each 50.
In track and field the Athelets can see their time while racing

Ragnar
Reply to  GrameziPT
1 year ago

Thorpe with that 3:38.9 would’ve been wild

MarchandApologist
1 year ago

Is there anything fundamentally wrong with data being transmitted mid-race? Think it would be huge for distance swimmers. At the lower levels where few would have the advantage I’d be for a restriction.

Lisa Simpson
Reply to  MarchandApologist
1 year ago

But where would the line be drawn?

It’s easier to ban the transmission mid race altogether to avoid potential debacle.

Remember how the whole rubber suit debacle started when Speedo decided to put rubber panels on 50% of suit surface.

Last edited 1 year ago by Lisa Simpson
aflyonthewall
1 year ago

I don’t know what the use would be during an actual race, but having the data in addition to a video might help guide training.

Sweet Sweet Peter Rosen
1 year ago

Surprised whoop not on here

Entgegen
Reply to  Sweet Sweet Peter Rosen
1 year ago

Knowing whoop they were probably busy developing a new $100 sleep mask rather paying attention to areas their product is actually useful

oldnotdead
1 year ago

Fine for practice, but any legit competition should go without. For open water swims that want to be recognized as “official”, swimmers cannot wear any of these devices.

oldnotdead
Reply to  Braden Keith
1 year ago

Thanks for weighing in – I was speaking from my own experience in events and should have been clear on that. EventsI have done went by “Channel Rules” which state:
Wear one swimming hat, a pair of goggles and standard issue swimming costume.

  • No neoprene is allowed.
  • You must start on land where the observer can see you standing on land and not in water.
  • You are not allowed to have any kind of artificial aid.
  • You can only use goggles, one cap, a nose clip, earplugs, and one sleeveless and legless costume.

I just checked on WOWSA, and they indicate: WOWSA 3.2 – Swim Gear:

  • If permitted by the Race Director, athletes may wear
… Read more »

Vincent
1 year ago

Focusing on the 0.1% ….
Athletes – and coaches ….DO NOT know how to read these data …all marketing hype…what’s the point??

Entgegen
Reply to  Vincent
1 year ago

It’s easy to learn…

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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