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USC academic invited to Winter Games
A University of the Sunshine Coast sport scientist and former Paralympic champion has been invited to present his latest research on technology and human performance during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics season.
Professor Brendan Burkett said the Winter Games were not as familiar to Coast athletes or sports fans but the Canadian snow and ice guaranteed excitement for crowds and challenges for competitors, whether or not they had a disability.
“Winter Games are more dependent on technology because of the slippery conditions – it’s a whole new dimension,” he said.
Professor Burkett leaves on 5 March for the University of British Columbia-hosted symposium to discuss his work on technology directions for athletes with disabilities.
The University’s website said the Peak Performance Symposium would involve “leading international experts exploring the complexities and challenges elite athletes face”.
It is being held between Vancouver’s Olympics (12-28 February) and Paralympics (12-21 March).
“The Olympics are top of the tree so to be flown over as a presenter is a great honour,” said Professor Burkett.
“It further demonstrates the knowledge and experience available to students in the USC sport and exercise program. What we’re researching is cutting edge.”
Professor Burkett has performed many roles in previous Olympics but has only attended one Winter Games. That was as an International Paralympic Committee member at Lillehammer, Norway in 1994.
He said his research focused on advances in prosthetic design and wheelchair technology and other devices that assisted elite performance.
“My major role is examining the best methods of using these devices after they’re manufactured to help athletes improve their efficiency,” he said.
Professor Burkett joined USC 12 years ago after international careers in engineering and elite sport.
– Julie Gatehouse