Computers don't byte

Episode 19: Arno Knobbe: Engineering Gold, the science behind Dutch speed skating

Published on 7 April 2026 - Created by Michiel van Poelgeest, Dimitra Kouimtzidou, Marcel Tichelaar

How can data help speed skaters push past their limits? Associate Professor Arno Knobbe specializes in sports data science. His research dives deep into the tiny details that can decide the outcome of a race. How and where do speed skaters find tenths of seconds to beat their rivals?

Arno's research helps olympic athletes study the 'corners' of the ice rink, where, as it turns out, every athlete needs a slightly different approach to glide through at top speed. And this isn’t just theory; his insights play a role at the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

By collecting specific training data for each individual skater, Knobbe and his team can build the ultimate training schedule — one that ensures an athlete peaks at exactly the right moment: race day. And the impact goes far beyond elite sports. Even older adults wearing a smartwatch can benefit from the same principles, using data to better understand their health and daily activity.


Listen to the full episode on Spotify.