Olympic Games

What can you learn from uneven bars, a magazine, and a good pair of shoes?

In a world that is increasingly connected, that is increasingly reliant upon artificial intelligence, that is politically fractured, success has become a measure of how dynamic you can be, how nimble you are when faced with change, and how open you are to lifelong learning. So said several leaders in athletics, business, and entertainment who spoke at the Women who Empower summit at Northeastern on Wednesday.

by Molly Callahan November 7, 2018

3Qs: The legal fallout of American swimmers’ robbery claim in Brazil

Brazilian law enforcement officials said on Thursday that the American swimmers who claimed to have been robbed at gunpoint during the Rio de Janeiro Games had fabricated the story. We asked law professor Dan Danielsen to explain where this international drama might go from here, with a particular focus on the legal consequences facing the swimmers and the tepid relationship between American and Brazilian officials.

by Jason Kornwitz August 19, 2016

What we can learn about bones from Olympic gymnast’s gruesome injury

French gymnast Samir Ait Said broke his leg at the Rio Olympics while vaulting during the men’s preliminaries. Associate professor Sandra Shefelbine explains why bones break as well as her research into how to prevent injury.

by Greg St. Martin August 16, 2016

What’s that bruise on Michael Phelps’ shoulder?

From circular bruises, to colorful tapes, to one-arm sleeves, Olympic athletes have been sporting some unique markings and add-ons during the Rio de Janeiro Games. We asked a group of professors to explain what you’ve been seeing, with a particular focus on the science behind it.

by Joe O'Connell August 12, 2016

3Qs: How ‘nomadic architecture’ will shape Rio’s Olympic legacy

Two venues at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro—the 12,000-seat Future Arena and the 15,000-seat Aquatic Stadium—will be dismantled and rebuilt into entirely new buildings following the games. We asked assistant professor David Fannon, an architect and building scientist, to explain how Rio’s reliance on “nomadic architecture” might benefit Brazil in the decades to come.

by Jason Kornwitz August 11, 2016

3Qs: What is greatness—and how do you achieve it?

More than 11,000 athletes are competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing their superior skill in nearly 40 different sports. We asked Rachel Rodgers, associate professor in the Department of Applied Psychology, to define the concept of greatness and explain how everyday people might tap into their own greatness, regardless of wealth, fame, or skill set.

by Jason Kornwitz August 10, 2016

If I competed in the Olympics…

The 2016 Summer Olympics opening ceremony begin tonight. Will students be watching the games, and what sport would they pick to compete in? We asked.

by News@Northeastern August 5, 2016

Underreporting of Zika is rife; researchers project epidemic’s spread

A team led by Northeastern professor Alessandro Vespignani responded to a “call to arms” to model the spread of the Zika virus, revealing the disparity between the number of reported cases and the number of projected cases of this largely asymptomatic disease. The results will help countries in the Americas plan a response.

by Thea Singer August 2, 2016

Take 5: The science of doping in sports

Reports of doping by Russia’s Olympic athletes continue to grab headlines. Just yesterday, officials confirmed that 14 of the country’s athletes from the 2008 Games had been implicated by the I.O.C. in a re-testing of samples. But doping in sports is not new. As early as the 8th century B.C., Greek athletes found ways to boost testosterone to enhance performance, says Northeastern’s Rui Li, an expert on exercise physiology. Here, she talks about the science of doping and possible measures to stop it.

by Thea Singer May 25, 2016