The physics of sport

Caroline Cohen and Christophe Clanet, two researchers at the l’X Hydrodynamics Laboratory, are developing the field of sports physics. Their method was inspired by a question asked by an athlete, and involves measuring physical phenomena on the sports field before studying them in the laboratory. Researchers then conduct experiments to determine the physical laws involved. From these laws, they can identify new avenues of study and define new ways to improve athletes’ performance. These studies are also likely to have a significant impact on topics like disability and aging.