CASE STUDY
Racing Against Time: How M&S Consulting and IBM Helped Team USA Capture Silver
INTRODUCTION
When Team USA’s cyclists and speed skaters lined up ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, raw talent wasn’t enough. In sports where fractions of a second define victory, athletes needed smarter training, faster insights, and technology that could keep up with their drive.
That’s where M&S Consulting stepped in.
The Challenge
Olympic-level performance demands precision. Yet, for Team USA’s cycling, critical training insights were painfully slow:
- Coaches relied on stopwatches and handwritten notes.
- Sensor data from bikes and athletes was manually compiled into spreadsheets.
- Analysis often came the next day—too late to adjust in real time.
For these underfunded sports, lacking a dedicated year-round tech team, even small inefficiencies meant lost opportunities.
Our Approach
M&S Consulting teamed up with IBM to deliver a solution that was fast, flexible, and built to perform under pressure:
Real-Time Timing and Data Integration
We connected a Raspberry Pi device to the track’s electronic timing system, capturing precise splits for every rider. Sensor data—including heart rate, breathing, bike power output, and environmental conditions—flowed into a unified system.
Instant Insights for Coaches and Athletes
Within minutes of a run, coaches could review performance on tablets. No more waiting overnight—teams could tweak rotations, pacing, and technique between laps.
Multi-Sport Adaptability
The solution wasn’t just a one-off. After proving its value on the cycling track, the system was repurposed for speed skating at the Utah Olympic Oval, supporting both Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The Impact
Faster Decisions
Real-time data empowered coaches to adjust strategies on the fly.
Performance Breakthroughs
The team discovered subtle advantages—like differences in clockwise vs. counterclockwise riding—validated through wind tunnel testing.
Podium Success
Team USA’s women’s pursuit team rose from sixth in the world to setting a world record trial and earning an Olympic silver medal.
Why It Matters
This project showcased M&S Consulting’s ability to:
- Transform raw sensor data into actionable insights
- Deliver lightweight, scalable technology under tight constraints
- Collaborate seamlessly with industry leaders like IBM to achieve mission-critical outcomes
Because in the race to the podium, every fraction of a second—and every insight—matters.