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Science and technology plays a big part in preparation and recovery for high performance athletes. So, from carbon fibre bike wheels to plunge pools filled with iced water, there’s plenty of science and technology backing the New Zealand Olympic team heading to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The most likely weather forecast facing New Zealand’s athletes is expected to be hot or hotter. A typical Beijing summer day starts at 20oC and soars to a baking 35o C and the high humidity often makes it seem even hotter.  Compounding the problem is the smog generated by the city’s 17 million people and three million cars.

“Obviously, such demanding conditions can’t be changed, but at least we can be prepared for it,” says Richard Young, SPARC’s Performance Consultant of Technical Development. The New Zealand team is taking 4,000 items of ‘acclimatisation gear’ over to Beijing, including scientifically-formulated drink mixes, ice vests, plunge pools, carbon masks and ionisers.

The Beijing Acclimatisation Group, which includes representatives from 14 sports, SPARC, the Beijing 2008 Chef de Mission and the Olympic Team Coordinator, have been meeting regularly since late 2006 sharing strategies and knowledge, and working on projects to target specific challenges posed by Beijing’s climate and environment. “The difference between a gold medal and bronze medal is a fraction of a percent. You want to cover off every detail that might give the athletes an edge,” says Richard.

One example of a project the group has been working on is the development of special sports drinks for the athletes. With help from Scientists from the University of Otago and Auckland University of Technology, along with athletes and coaches, they have developed some unique drink mixes - for before, during and after training and competition.

“The reason the group didn’t use off-the-shelf hydration drinks, was because the sweat response in Beijing will be extreme. These specially developed drinks include ingredients to help the body to store water and we have different formulations to match the sport intensity and duration,” explains Richard.