Compact Advanced Training Part 1: 5.5.- Speaking: Compound adjectives and Speaking test part 2.

What is he wearing?

What do you think are the functions of the item he's wearing?

📖 C1 Reading Text: A Technological Device in Sports

In recent years, wearable motion-tracking devices have revolutionized the way professional athletes train and recover. Among them, the GPS-enabled smart vest has become increasingly popular across high-performance sports such as football, rugby, and athletics. This lightweight, body-hugging garment contains a small sensor that collects real-time data on speed, distance, acceleration, and heart rate.

For coaches, this device is more than just a fashionable gadget; it provides data-driven, performance-focused insights that were unimaginable two decades ago. By analyzing the numbers, staff can determine whether a player is overtraining, underperforming, or at risk of injury. The highly sophisticated, user-friendly system also allows players themselves to understand their physical limits and optimize their workouts accordingly.

Critics, however, argue that such devices contribute to an overly analytical approach, replacing instinct and creativity with statistics. Some fear that athletes will become excessively dependent on number-based, algorithm-driven strategies, losing the spontaneity that makes sport so engaging. Still, most experts agree that this technology is here to stay, as clubs continue to invest in state-of-the-art, scientifically-backed innovations to maximize performance and protect their players.

In the end, the ever-evolving, competition-oriented world of professional sports seems perfectly suited for these tools. As technology advances, wearable devices will likely become even more precise, adaptable, and indispensable.

📚 References

Dyer, B., & Goosey-Tolfrey, V. (2018). The use of technology in sport—Performance analysis and wearable devices. Sports Technology, 11(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/19346182.2018.1428732
Malone, J., Lovell, R., Varley, M. C., & Coutts, A. J. (2017). Unpacking the black box: Applications and considerations for using GPS devices in sport. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(s2), S218–S226.
McCullagh, K. (2019). Technology and innovation in sport: Smart devices for monitoring performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(14), 1612–1619.
FIFA. (2020). Evolving technology in football: Wearables and performance data. Retrieved from https://www.fifa.com