Virtual reality goggles and electro-fabric swim suits produce new swimming records

 

A new report released today reveals that virtual reality goggles, prosthetic flippers, artificial human gills and technologically advanced swimming pools will help make swimming the popular sport of the future. 

Commissioned by 'Schweppes Abbey Well', the new British Natural Mineral Water, the report charts the opinions of experts and maps the sport's evolution within the next 10-20 years, highlighting potential developments to both swimming pools and the swimmers themselves. 

Advancements in nanotechnology, electro-fabrics and virtual reality gaming are all expected to play a major role in the future of swimming. The introduction of highly developed goggles, advanced swim suits and the development of prosthetic flippers and artificial blood cells is expected to create a new generation of super swimmers that could knock minutes off record times... not just seconds. The swimming pool environment is also expected to change dramatically with the introduction of smart cubicles, aqua gyms and virtual reality landscapes bringing a whole new perspective on the phrase 'going to the pool for a swim'.      

Key findings of the report include:

Swimmers

• Accelerated Learning - Digital goggles will relay real-time teaching to swimmers and electro-fabric swim suits with pre-programmed strokes will advance swimmers technique to professional levels in record time
• Underwater fantasy - Swimming pools will become virtual video games with landscapes and obstacles projected into the swimming pool or viewed through highly developed goggles
• Super Swimmers - Prosthetic advancements and nanotechnology will lead to athletes wearing sophisticated aids, such as motorised flippers, and using human gills (artificial oxygen carrying blood cells) to allow faster movement through the water and submersion for up to four hours
• Swimming Pods - Emerging home entertainment technology will bring the swimming experience into the home without the need for water. Virtual Reality 3D goggles and specifically designed couches will recreate the feeling and effects of swimming in the comfort of the living room

 

Swimming Pools

• Pool Designs - Swimming pool surfaces will be enhanced to deliver innovative and highly sensory pool designs. Advanced pool technology will allow areas of water to have different temperatures and therapeutic benefits without the need for physical divides
• Smart Cubicles - Changing rooms will be transformed to include advanced power showers that offer full bodymetric scans. Magic mirrors will also be able to show swimmers how effective their training is by showing them how they looked before and after their session
• Aqua Gyms - Swimming pools will become the new gyms with aqua aerobics and circuits becoming the norm and lifeguards becoming personal poolside trainers
• Eau Natural - Ecological responsibility and growing flood defence needs will see a growing desire for natural swimming with city centres being bioengineered to include natural space for joint community pools and flood defence systems 

 

To celebrate the launch of the new mineral water, 'Schweppes Abbey Well' is encouraging more people to get active by offering free swims on Mondays at 350 participating pools around Great Britain with valid 'Schweppes Abbey Well' bottle caps. And for every free swim redeemed, 'Schweppes Abbey Well' will donate £1 towards projects to get Britain Sch...wimming on the journey to London 2012.  Swimmers can find their nearest participating pool and details of the promotion at www.getbritainschwimming.com. 

Cathryn Sleight, Marketing Director Coca‑Cola Great Britain, said: "We are delighted to have drawn upon such a superb panel of experts to pull together this insightful report. It is fantastic to be associated with a sport that has such an exciting future and we hope more people will be inspired to participate in swimming as a result of all of these amazing technological advancements."    

Miriam Rayman, trend analyst and report writer, Future Laboratory consultant, commented: "What we discovered through our research is that swimming is going to become increasingly relevant in the future. Today it obviously plays a central role for safety reasons, for others it's about exercise at a low impact but in the future there will be a whole set of new reasons to get involved with swimming. If you like gaming, if you are interested in the intricacies of how the body works, if you want to push the capabilities of human performance, if you would enjoy swimming through a virtual world, if you live near a flood prevention lake, if you want to become pro in just a few months, if you're seeking a more sensory experience, if you need to escape and reconnect with your body -- water is your medium". 

As a global partner of the Olympic Games, Coca‑Cola will offer 'Schweppes Abbey Well' as part of its diverse product portfolio at the London 2012 Games. Spectators, media, athletes and volunteers will be able to enjoy a range of soft drinks, including bottled water, juices and sports drinks, at the Olympic Venues. 

Coca‑Cola GB acquired the 'Abbey Well' brand in November 2008 and placed it under its 'Schweppes' brand to give more people the chance to enjoy a great British natural mineral water. 

For more information on 'Schweppes Abbey Well' and the 'Get Britain Schwimming' promotion please visit www.getbritainschwimming.com. 

 To read the full report click here.

Ends  

Notes to Editors 

The Coca‑Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with 'Coca‑Cola', recognised as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including 'Diet Coke', 'Fanta', 'Sprite', 'Coca‑Cola Zero', 'glacéau vitaminwater', 'Powerade' and 'Minute Maid'. Globally, it is the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With and enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, the Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about the Company, please visit the website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com. 

Trademarks 

• 'Coca‑Cola', 'Coke', 'diet Coca‑Cola', 'diet Coke', 'Coke Zero', 'Coca‑Cola Zero', 'Fanta', 'Sprite', 'Powerade' and 'Minute Maid' are registered trade marks of The Coca‑Cola Company.
• 'Schweppes' and 'Malvern' are registered trade marks of Atlantic Industries.
• 'Abbey Well' is a registered trade mark of Waters & Robson Ltd.
• 'glacéau vitaminwater' is a trade mark of energy brands inc. aka glacéau