Machine Vision Technology Fuelling Olympic Dreams

When elite swimmers chase their dreams at the Olympics, every split-second counts. For Joshua Yong and Iona Anderson, their journey to the Paris Olympic Games was powered by talent, dedication, expert coaching, and cutting-edge technology. At Adept Turnkey, we take pride in playing a role in their success by providing the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) with an advanced pool camera system designed to enhance performance analysis.

At the core of Adept Turnkey’s partnership with the WAIS Swimming program is a state-of-the-art system featuring five synchronised machine vision cameras that are embedded into the pool walls. This setup captures live footage from the moment a swimmer takes position on the starting block to when they pass the 25-metre mark. This technology enables WAIS performance training staff to analyse every aspect of a swimmer’s movement— from the fluidity of their dives to the precision of their turns.

Adept Turnkey’s vision engineers developed a proprietary trigger-sync device, allowing seamless analysis as swimmers transition from one camera’s view to another. By synchronising all cameras to capture images simultaneously, the system delivers unparalleled insights into technique and biomechanics of their movement.

The cameras are permanently installed into customised viewing ports cut into the pool wall, connecting to the skimmer gutter running alongside the wall. The viewing ports are sealed with optical glass windows and the cameras are fully submerged within fully sealed IP67-rated enclosures mounted directly behind the view port windows. Long cables, up to 40 metres in length, run beneath the pool deck, linking the cameras to a powerful machine vision computer designed to capture and store images in real-time and to process large volumes of data. Located just a few metres from the pool’s edge, this system allows swimmers like Josh and Iona to review footage immediately after each session, enabling instant feedback and rapid skill refinement.

Now an integral part of the WAIS Swimming development program, this system is used multiple times per week. According to Dr Helen Bayne (Senior Movement Scientist), it not only supports technical improvements in crucial areas such as starts and turns but also quantifies key performance metrics and biomechanical parameters.

“The system includes one above-water and four underwater cameras, enabling us to capture a full sequence from dive to breakout and turns at the wall,” Bayne explained. “Athletes review their footage during training for immediate feedback on technical refinements, while WAIS performance support staff analyse the data to track performance changes.”

“This technology allows us to precisely monitor execution and improvements, aligning them with race targets.”

This meticulous approach contributed to Joshua Yong and Iona Anderson’s remarkable performances at the Olympic Trials, where both athletes achieved personal bests and secured spots on the Australian team. With the confidence of knowing their techniques had been meticulously refined, they arrived in Paris ready to compete at the highest level.

At the Olympic Games, their performances were outstanding. Joshua reached the men’s 200m breaststroke final, finishing eighth. Meanwhile, then 18-year-old Iona shone in the women’s 100m backstroke, securing a fifth-place finish in the final.

Beyond their individual events, both athletes also thrived in team competitions. Iona played a role in the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay, with the team winning a silver medal, and in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay, where the team claimed bronze. Joshua also was an integral member of the team that secured bronze in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay.

The success of Joshua and Iona highlights the impact of integrating advanced machine vision technology into elite training programs. While their achievements are driven by immense dedication and talent, technology has provided them with an invaluable edge—helping transform their Olympic dreams into reality.