Olympics timekeepers to get winner down to 3000th of a second

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Atlanta, 1996: emotions and adrenalin ran high in the Olympic arena as two sprinters claimed victory in the women's 100 metres race -- and only the photofinish cameras could judge the winner.

Both American Gail Devers and Jamaican Merlene Ottey came in at 10.94 seconds, and when Devers was awarded the gold medal, Ottey understandably protested.

But to no avail, as images from the finishing line indicated that Devers crossed a five-thousandth of a second ahead.

The episode shows how accuracy is crucial to the smooth running of the Olympic Games. And Swiss watchmaker Omega, which holds the coveted role of official timekeeper, is constantly updating its technology to ensure the most accurate results possible.

Back in 1996, cameras were...