Technology can be inspired by the Olympic spirit

The Olympics are a stage for overcoming obstacles, recognition and glory. The whole world experiences this message every four years when they take place. Perhaps we should be reminded more often that limits exist to be surpassed.

We are capable of incredible feats when we commit ourselves to practicing something massively in pursuit of a greater goal. In the case of the Olympic Games, representing the country.

Since ancient Greece, records have been broken cycle after cycle, showing us the infinite possibilities of evolution. A limitless universe that invites us to strive to be better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today. And that fills us with hope that this is possible.

Expressions of overcoming are marked by measurable parameters, especially speed and dexterity, raised to levels never before achieved by man. The photo that will mark the 2024 Olympics is a photo of speed: champion Gabriel Medina flying after surfing a powerful wave in Teahupo'o, French Polynesia.

I've been surfing for over 50 years and I can assure you that the record was only possible thanks to the incredible momentum and speed he gained sliding out of a tube at around 50 km/h, according to my estimates.

In fact, most of the events in the Olympics depend essentially on speed. Many of us, ordinary people, would be able to perform many of the stunts that the competitors do. But never at the speed at which these incredible athletes win their medals.

Innovation and speed have been a passion since the earliest civilizations. In ancient times, for example, the Romans built roads to improve the speed of transporting troops and goods. The desire to break speed records, whether on land, in the air or in space, became a symbol of progress and technological innovation.

Interestingly, when we talk about innovation, we find a paradox in the Olympics. Innovations in the games are welcome, as long as they are transparent and ensure that all athletes have access to the same resources. If any innovation gives unfair advantages to competitors, it runs the risk of being considered technological doping.

The concept refers to equipment and devices that can enhance an athlete's performance in ways that are not achievable through training and natural ability alone.

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One notable case was that of polyurethane swimming suits that reduced water resistance. If used, we would see an unnatural jump in the historical swimming records of the Olympics. A similar concept arrived at the surfing competitions in France this year.

Synthetic shark skin is now available on the market, designed to be applied to the bottom of surfboards. An admirable example of biomimicry inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest innovators in history.

The shark is one of the fastest and most evolved animals on the planet, having been cutting through the seas for over 450 million years. Every square centimeter of its skin has four thousand grooves, nanoscales called placoids, which allow it to flow quickly and smoothly.

Synthetic leather reproduces this texture and can give boards more speed. However, as with swimming costumes, anyone who wore it would risk being disqualified. Obviously, the athletes gave it up.

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These strict regulations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and national sports federations may seem like enemies of innovation, but they are essential to ensure equal conditions in competitions.

Finally, the direct connection between the desire to overcome, to a greater or lesser extent, present in all of us human beings, and the endless capacity to innovate, with which we are all born endowed, without distinction, becomes clear. Even God's creature is perfect.