WTF Is Sports Tech?!
Welcome to the Glorious 'Women in Tech' edition! This week we're shining a spotlight on the intersection of sports and technology, and the incredible women who are leveraging tech to transform the game
By Glorious
Sports and technology are two words that you might not initially associate with each other, but the reality is that they are becoming increasingly intertwined and transforming the sporting landscape in unprecedented ways. So what exactly is sports tech, and why is it becoming so important?
The dictionary definition of Sports Technology refers to the use of technology to improve athletic performance, training, analysis, and overall sports experience. It encompasses a wide range of areas, from wearable technology and data analysis to virtual reality and e-gaming.
But how does this relate to you, or to your favourite athletes? Well, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re already familiar with the concept of technology. The internet, smartphones, social media – all of these are examples of how technology has already become an integral part of our lives. And it turns out, sports tech is not just about gadgets and gizmos, but rather a vast and ever-expanding industry that encompasses everything from garment technology, competitor data analysis to AI-generated game plans.
This week we have tracked down some amazing women from different industries who are using sports technology to do something extraordinary in their respective fields. Meet Judith McMinn, founder of Rezon Halo wearable headbands that reduce the risk of concussion and sub-concussions, as well as Rebecca Sowden, founder of Correct The Internet, who is determined to fix the factual inaccuracies about sportswomen found on the internet.
Another inspiring woman we meet this week is Josie West, who shares her unique perspective on leveraging technology to enhance sports performance. She discusses how her passion for extreme sports intersects with her career in tech, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
But that’s not all – we also chat with GB Paralympic basketball player Sophie Carrigill and England cricketer Tammy Beaumont MBE, about how technology has transformed the way they train and compete. And if you’re curious about esports and the future of VR, or what it’s like to be a woman in that space, we turn to Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The Story Mob Anna Rozwandowicz for the answers.
It’s not just about the individuals who are driving change in sports tech – it’s also about the industry as a whole and the need for more diversity and inclusion. Women have historically been underrepresented in the tech and sports industries, however, we are seeing a shift in the right direction, with more women breaking into the field and pushing boundaries. As Anna Rozwandowicz says, “I think that esports faces the same challenges that other male-dominated industries do: fewer women in leadership roles and less female representation in games, on professional teams and on the screen. That said, as an industry we’ve made massive strides to bring more balance to gender diversity in esports, and have seen tremendous efforts from some of the key stakeholders in the industry on that front.”
As we can see through this week’s stories, these incredible women and others like them are pushing the boundaries and changing the ratio in this traditionally male-dominated field, and the future of fast paced sporting technology is sure to be exciting and innovative!
Editorial design this is root