Analyzed By The Wind

One of the most vital fundamentals of sport is the science that goes into producing an Olympic athlete. Teams of experts must all work in tandem to coordinate the best path to success. For those sports where incredibly high rates of speed, position in the air and friction are involved, such as alpine skiing, skeleton/luge, speed skating, ski jumping and swimming, part of the technological scientific advances include the use of wind tunnel testing.  A wind tunnel is a research tool used in aerodynamic research to study the effects of air moving past solid objects. Normally reserved for the automobile industry, wind tunnels are a research tool whose information can find a millisecond advantage – the difference between gold and everyone else.

Erik Guay (CAN)
 Photo credit: AUDI AG

In previous decades, Canadian athletes used the NRC Institute for Aerospace Research in Ottawa to test their aerodynamic technique and equipment. Just a few weeks ago, the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, were involved in testing at one of the most modern wind tunnels in the world.  The Audi Wind Tunnel Centre, based at Audi’s European headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, hosted the Canadian team for the first time ever.  Intelligence gathered during these sessions allows engineers to measure real time drag co-efficient data for such things as the new speed suits that the team will sport this season. Other important essentials of the sport that were analyzed were the aerodynamic qualities of racing positions, goggles, helmets, gloves, boots and skis. This data in turn assists the coaches in making important corrections and providing valuable feedback to the athletes.

Such world-leading research services will provide the Canadian team many advantages as they start the 2011-2012 International Ski Federation (FIS)season, which opens this weekend in Soelden, Austria.

For more information on the science of sport, please visit SIRC.

Adaptive Winter Sports

Being active is beneficial for our overall health both physically and mentally. Physical activity should be inclusive of all people, no matter their ability or disability. Now that winter is upon us, people of all abilities should be able to enjoy winter sports. For people with disabilities, adaptive winter sports can provide a great way to learn a new sport, meet new people, reconnect with previously loved activities and enjoy life in the great outdoors.

For participants with a disability, adaptive winter sports involve modifying equipment and lessons. Whether the individual is participating at an elite, recreational or beginner level, modifying the activity and the way in which it is taught or coached allows them to participate in a supportive environment and to enjoy freedom in the snow.

Adaptive outdoor winter sports that people with physical disabilities might want to consider:

• Nordic skiing both standing and sit-skiing. People with a visual impairment usually have a guide to instruct and ski with them. 
• Snowboarding for those who like to curve down the hill. Can be enjoyed by people with spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, amputation and visual impairment. 
• Alpine Skiing can be done standing or sit skiing. This includes such disciplines such as Downhill, Super-G, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super Combined. 

Being active leads to a healthier life. With the right support, adaptive winter sports are a great way for people with a disability to be active and enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months. Sports can be made as challenging as need be, can be easily learned, and can be very enjoyable.Whether practiced on the mountains or on the trails, adaptive sports can make it possible for people of all abilities to embrace our winter wonderland.

References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Adaptive Snowshoeing. Palaestra. Winter2008 2008;24(1):10.

2. Bialowas S. The Ontario Paralympic Winter Games 2006. Around The Rim. January 2006;:3-4.

3. Dicianno B, Aguila E, Wichman T, et al. Acute mountain sickness in disability and adaptive sports: Preliminary data. Journal Of Rehabilitation Research & Development. July 2008;45(4):479-487.

4. Fadrhonc S. BACK-COUNTRY BOUNTY. Sports 'N Spokes Magazine. January 2011;37(1):40-45.

5. Groff D, Lundberg N, Zabriskie R. Influence of adapted sport on quality of life: Perceptions of athletes with cerebral palsy. Disability & Rehabilitation. February 15, 2009;31(4):318-326.

6. Lundberg N, Taniguchi S, McCormick B, Tibbs C. Identity Negotiating: Redefining Stigmatized Identities through Adaptive Sports and Recreation Participation among Individuals with a Disability. Journal Of Leisure Research. 2011 Second Quarter 2011;43(2):205-225.

7. Second Adaptive Sport Added to Winter X Games. O&P Business News. Spring2010 2010;19(3):46.

Caroline Calvé

Caroline Calvé has been competing on the World Cup circuit for almost nine years, but made her Olympic debut in front of a home crowd in Vancouver. Since then Caroline has had a breakthrough in her career, winning the first ever World Cup for a Canadian female alpine snowboarder. Calvé’s success has continued during the 2012-2013 season where she finished third in the World Cup Parallel standings.

General Information:

Date of Birth: October 1, 1978
Birthplace: Hull, Quebec
Residence: Aylmer, Quebec
Height/Weight: 177 cm/ 74 kg
Coach: Mark Fawcett
 Twitter: @CaroCalve
Website: http://carolinecalve.com/
COC: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/caroline-calve/
CSF: http://www.canadasnowboard.ca/en/team/?id=2
FIS: http://www.fis-ski.com/snowboard/alpine-snowboard/athletes/athlete=calve-caroline-72840/