SEA Games 2025: Singapore athletics using more analytics to boost performances this year

Key Concepts

• Performance Analytics: The use of data and statistical methods to measure, analyze, and improve athletic performance.
• Biomechanics: The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.
• Kinematics: The branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies without reference to the forces that cause the motion.
• CE Games (Commonwealth Games): A multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.
• Block Start Technique: The initial phase of a sprint race, focusing on the explosive push-off from starting blocks.
• Stride Length and Frequency: Key metrics in running technique, referring to the distance covered per stride and the number of strides per unit of time.
• Split Time: The time taken to complete a specific segment of a race.
• Run-up Velocity: The speed of an athlete during their approach to a jump.
• Acceleration/Deceleration: The rate of change of velocity, crucial for jump performance.
• Takeoff: The moment an athlete leaves the ground in a jump.
• Talent Pool Expansion: Efforts to increase the number and quality of athletes in specific disciplines.

Singapore's Athletics Push: Performance Analytics and Biomechanics

Singapore is significantly investing in performance analytics and biomechanics to enhance its competitive edge in athletics for the upcoming CE Games. The objective is to translate training improvements into tangible results on the competition stage.

Shanti Pereira: Defending Champion and Data-Driven Training

• Main Focus: Shanti Pereira, Singapore's sprint queen, is aiming to defend her 100m and 200m titles at the CE Games. This marks her seventh CE Games appearance.
• Recent Performance: Despite a challenging 2024 season with injuries, Pereira secured two silver medals at the Asian Championships but did not reach the semi-finals at the World Championships.
• Training Regimen: She is undertaking approximately 10 training sessions per week, emphasizing health and recovery as paramount for peak performance. As she stated, "focus is always will always and forever be um health and recovery. So just making sure that I'm okay, my body's okay, and I'm healthy and ready to be at the start line."
• Data Analytics Application: Pereira's training incorporates data analytics to refine fine margins. This includes:
  • Block Start Technique: Analyzing for the fastest possible launch.
  • Running Technique (Kinematics): Close examination of arm swings, stride length, and stride frequency.
  • Speed Tracking: Recording and measuring every split time.
• Coach's Philosophy: Her coach, described as a "data man," collects and utilizes any available data. Pereira notes, "it's really just really small small things the 1% stuff that that will eventually contribute cuz in nowadays you can measure pretty much everything so you need to be careful with the noise so I keep tracking the the basic and the things that really have an impact on the performance on the spring performance."

Tia Rosario: Triple Jump and Long Jump Edge with Analytics

• Main Focus: National triple jump record holder Tia Rosario is making her CE Games debut, competing in both triple jump and long jump. She is also close to the national record in the long jump, just 2 cm shy.
• Data Analytics Application: Analytics are crucial for Rosario's performance enhancement:
  • Run-up Velocity: Tracking speed between different points during her approach.
  • Acceleration/Deceleration: Analyzing changes in speed before takeoff, a critical factor for jump distance.
  • In-Air Body Movements: Analyzing aerial technique to fine-tune her form.
• Impact of Data: Rosario highlights the benefit of data: "Having just that additional perspective, the additional numbers, you know, give you that little bit of information that can help you gain that extra centimeter that you might need, you know, to get the gold medal."

Record-Breaking Contingent and Future Aspirations

• Largest Overseas Team: Singapore Athletics is sending a record 39 athletes (26 men, 13 women) to the CE Games, its largest overseas contingent ever.
• Event Diversity: The team comprises sprinters, long-distance runners, and athletes in field events such as pole vault, triple jump, long jump, and discus throw.
• Debutants: 23 track and field athletes will be making their SEAG Games debut.
• Developmental Focus: A key theme for the team is progression, with an emphasis on helping younger athletes manage pressure in major competitions and return stronger. The goal is to "move on to the bigger stage."
• Long-Term Vision: With an eye on hosting the CE Games in 2029, Singapore is actively expanding its talent pool, particularly in throw events, with the ambition of becoming a dominant force in regional track and field.

Conclusion

Singapore's athletics program is strategically leveraging performance analytics and biomechanics to maximize athlete potential and achieve success at the CE Games. This data-driven approach, combined with a focus on athlete development and a record-breaking contingent, signals a strong commitment to elevating Singapore's standing in regional and potentially international athletics. The emphasis on "small things" and "1% stuff" underscores the precision required in modern elite sports.