Aug 21, 2016 7:00 AM

Video: How Olympic Athletes Hack Their Sports With Physics

Five videos to understand the incredible science that went into preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Besides being the birthplace of #Phelpsface, the Green Pool, and the mainstreamification of cupping, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games were also home---wonder of wonders!---to some incredible athletic feats. Though Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Usain Bolt’s performances seem to defy physics, we at WIRED did our best to explain the astonishing science behind some of our favorite events.

Take a Dive Into the Physics of Drag
What does it take to be an Olympic gold medalist? WIRED takes in-depth look at the mechanics behind the athletes featuring Conor Dwyer, Elizabeth Biesel, Matt Grevers, Nathan Adrian, Rayler Clary, and Ryan Lochte.
How Olympic Gymnasts Use Physics to Pull Off Those Crazy Twists
Charlotte Drury, Maggie Nichols, and Aly Raisman talk to WIRED about the skill, precision, and control they employ when performing various Gymnastic moves and when training for the Olympics.

The Rhythmic Explosion of Track and Field's Best
What does it take to be an Olympic sprinter? Power and aggression. WIRED talks to Allyson Felix, Lashawn Merritt, Ashton Eaton, Jarryd Wallace, and Dawn Harper about the science behind the sport, and the mechanics behind propelling their bodies from the blocks to the finish line.
The Physics Behind the Wild Wobble of Brady Ellison’s Arrows
WIRED takes an in-depth look at the science and mathematics behind Olympic Archery with Brady Ellison and Mackenzie Brown.

The High-Speed Physics of Olympic BMX
WIRED explores the science behind what it really takes to be an olympic BMX athlete, featuring Alise Post and Connor Fields.

Joseph Bien-Kahn is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles. ... Read More

Topicsolympics physics

The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun

From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.

Chris Haslam

Firewire's Neutrino Looks Like an Ironing Board and Takes Off Like a Shot

Firewire makes the most innovative surfboards in the industry. This winter, I tried the Neutrino, Machado, and Revo Max to see if they're worth the hype.

Brent Rose

You Can Approximate Pi by Dropping Needles on the Floor

Who needs a supercomputer when you can calculate pi with a box of sewing needles?

Rhett Allain

The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size

The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.

Adrienne So

The Best Apple Watch Accessories

You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.

Adrienne So

Our Favorite Merino Wool Clothes to Keep You Comfy in Any Weather

Merino is one of the best fabrics you can wear. We explain the different blends, what “gsm” means, and how to care for your clothes.

Scott Gilbertson

Which Fujifilm Instax Camera Should You Buy?

Should you buy an Instax Mini or Mini Evo? Instax Square or Wide? We demystify Fujifilm’s Instax lineup to help you find the perfect instant camera (or printer).

Scott Gilbertson

Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick

From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.

Matthew Korfhage

Anduril Wants to Own the Future of War Tech. Mishaps, Delays, and Challenges Abound

From drones to missiles to submarines, the $30.5 billion defense startup wants to transform how the tools of war are made. It’s not all going as planned.

Paresh Dave