Rowan Simpson, involved in some of New Zealand’s leading technology companies including TradeMe and Xero as well as being a former board member of HPSNZ and Sport NZ, discussed the growth and role of technology in all its ubiquity and concluded with some salient points which were picked up by his co-panellists – Gordon Walker, Technical Director and Women’s Lead Coach at Canoe Racing NZ, and Paul McAlpine, Head of Performance and Technique Analysis at HPSNZ.
“Technology affects every organisation,” said Rowan. “But it’s not what the software, does, but what the user does. Technology is a tool to address and solve problems. The big difference in the use of technology in sport is its horizontal application.”
Gordon and Paul brought a remarkably shared view on the role of technology in sport based on their years of experience in canoe racing at a high performance level.
When asked for a topline response to the role of technology in sport, Paul said it is a necessary tool and can be a game changer. “It can help with learning and adapting quicker. But sport is a relational game. You need to hear, listen and observe and then feel and understand how technology could be used effectively.”
Gordon said problem solving is the starting point for technology in sport. “It can be a game changer but it is not a silver bullet. What is critical is to take athletes on the technology journey. There is a continuum of responses to technology. At one end are those who feel threatened by it and they will simply ignore the technology tool. At the other end are those who believe it will solve everything. Neither of these will work.”
The introduction of power blades (paddles with data-gathering instrumentation built in) in canoe racing’s training programme is a great example of the role technology can play but more importantly the need to get athlete buy-in to a significant change.
“Our canoeists weren’t into the power blades at all to start with. They were heavier, the weight and balance felt different and initially they didn’t see any benefit at all,” said Gordon.
“The turning point was when the athletes began to understand the information the power blades were providing and understanding led to the recognition that they were going to make a massive difference.”
Both Gordon and Paul are very clear. Technology is one of the tools available to help provide performance gains. According to the pair, technology is a thing but what is more important is a way of thinking.
“If the mindset is one of curiosity, it will lead to questions and be key to innovation which sits above technology,” said Gordon. “It’s an iterative process. You start in one direction and then veer in another. You try and try again and often get to a totally different place in the end.”
“Look at what you’ve got and match that against your questions. Then balance that against your performance puzzle,” said Paul. “I 100% endorse Gordon’s view that it is an iterative process and exposure, learning and agency are key to athlete buy-in.”
In summing up the role of technology in sport, Rowan reiterated the importance of the right mindset and of innovation. “Be curious and inquisitive. And understand that innovation is not just about technology. It is about new ideas applied to create value.”
