Supporting a uK SucceSS Story: The impacT of - Research Councils ...

Research is increasingly being used to help
athletes maintain their health and wellbeing
so that they can perform to the best of their
ability. Some researchers have even found that
cherry based supplements are highly beneficial
to marathon runners! Research is also ongoing
into how to best test for illegal substances and
educate people about the dangers associated
with doping. At the Games this summer
researchers and students will be working with
international pharmaceutical companies to run
a Drug Control Centre to manage the task of
testing samples from thousands athletes.
The design of equipment such as kayaks and
bobsleighs has proved to be as important
as the skill of the athlete using them. Design
works together with technology to give
athletes that extra split second or millimetre
advantage which can mean the difference
between gold and silver. As well as equipment,
researchers are also using design to produce
unique footwear and clothing and of course,
design was a key factor in developing the
Olympic Park itself.
Sports development within our universities is
encouraging greater participation in sport by
students, school pupils and the wider local
community. The sports facilities at universities
are available for the public to use as well
as students and athletes who train there.
Universities are working with BUCS and various
National Sporting Bodies to help inspire more
people to get involved in sport, encourage
active lifestyle and hopefully produce the next
generation of Olympic and Paralympic medal
winners.
The final chapter of this report looks back at
the history of the Olympic and Paralympic
Games and the way this has shaped the
modern version that will come to London.
This year will be the third time London has
hosted the Games and the city is an integral
part of its history. When we bid to host the
2012 Games, a key element was the legacy
that would be created. The regeneration taking
place in East London is remarkable, but the
social regeneration will be felt much further
afield than just in London and will reach across
the whole of the UK. Researchers are already
looking into the potential legacy of the London
2012 Games and early indication show that a
positive impact on the economic growth of the
UK is already being felt. This report is a unique
snapshot of how important research is, not
only to our success at this summer’s Games,
but to the long-term prosperity and wellbeing
of the UK.
Supporting a UK success story: The impact of university research and sport development 5