Ensuring Fairness and Precision: Omega’s Commitment to the Paralympics

Sports John Brightwater September 4, 2024

Ensuring Fairness and Precision: Omega’s Commitment to the Paralympics

In preparation for the upcoming Paralympic Games, Omega, the renowned Swiss watchmaker and official partner of the Olympics since 1932, has dedicated approximately 260 employees to ensure the precision and fairness of the events. According to Chief Executive Officer Alain Zobrist, the guiding principle for these operations is clear: “Once you hit the enter key, you cannot go back.”

Omega, which has partnered with the Paralympics since the Barcelona Games in 1992, continuously seeks to innovate its timekeeping technology with each new host city. This year, for the Paris 2024 Games, Omega has introduced advanced photo-finish cameras capable of capturing an astonishing 40,000 frames per second, along with sophisticated sensors positioned at the starting line to register reaction times with remarkable precision of one-quarter of a millisecond.

The innovations are tailored specifically for both the Olympic and Paralympic events, with certain features designed exclusively for the Paralympics. During recent demonstrations held for journalists at the Stade de France, Mr. Zobrist highlighted the implementation of photocells nearer to the ground to accommodate participants in wheelchairs. Omega has also integrated synchronized flashlights on the starting blocks, aligning with the sound of the starting gun to facilitate a fair start for all athletes.

In terms of determining victors, the timing methodology is standardized: for standing events, the winner is determined by the front torso crossing the finish line, whereas, in wheelchair races, it is the front part of the wheel that is used for timing. This method of judging performance came under scrutiny during the Olympics when fans were uncertain who claimed the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter final between Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson. Mr. Zobrist clarified, stating, “There was no controversy. Everything is laid out perfectly.”

To maintain fairness, Omega and the International Paralympic Committee allow a 30-minute window for filing protests after track and field events. Mr. Zobrist emphasized, “It is the only way to keep everything fair.”

While timing and scoring represent the core of Omega’s responsibilities at the Games, the company also engages in various other critical tasks. They provide real-time graphics for television broadcasts that showcase the competitive gap between athletes and supply data and statistical insights to global audiences. Mr. Zobrist expressed pride in the Omega team, comprised mainly of engineers focused on accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, stating, “It is great to work alongside such a great group.”