Moneyrock: Olympic curlers crunch data to get edge on ice
Under a recent rule change, curling coaches can now meet with their players between ends and discuss the data insights. Previously, coaches could only consult during a halftime break or during the single time out a team is allotted.
The British team, one of just two to reach the medal round in all three Olympic curling disciplines in Beijing, uses data analytics platform Tableau to present the information in a more easily digested visual form.
“They’ve got 20 seconds to get information across to an athlete to influence the game,” Holl said.
It’s got to be “obvious and intuitive” so the coach can relay it to the athletes in as little as one syllable, Holl said.
“I think there’s a place for it, but I think analytics in a lot of situations, it seems to be trending towards overuse,” said Canadian Brad Gushue, a 2006 Olympic gold medalist.
“We try and use a little bit of it,” Gushue said, “but still go a little old school and use that instinct.” ___
AP Sports Writer Jimmy Golen is in Beijing covering Olympic curling for the third time. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/jgolen. AP Business Writer Kelvin Chan writes about technology from London and is covering a range of Olympic stories in Beijing. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/chanman.
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