Keely Hodgkinson has lifted the lid on the Nike super-tech that helped her become the Olympic 800 metres champion.
The 22-year-old wore state-of-the-art heated boots and an all-in-one ice and heat vest to aid her recovery between rounds in Paris, joking how they made her look like a ‘robot’.
The ‘pre-covery’ kit, made in partnership with recovery technology experts Hyperice, is not currently available for the public to buy, but is set to be released at a later date.
It is already being used by Nike’s signature athletes, including basketball superstar LeBron James and world champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson.
Nike x Hyperice vests allow for instant heating and cooling, helping athletes adjust their body temperatures during warm-ups and cool-downs. The Nike x Hyperice boots offer heat and air-compression massages for athletes’ feet and ankles.
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Nike x Hyperice vests is equipped with thermoelectric coolers in the form of two black circles at the top, as well as two smart sensors in the lower half which monitor body temperatures
The Nike x Hyperice boots offer heat and air-compression massages for athletes’ feet and ankles – with each boot being powered by batteries fitted inside the soles
Athletes can utlise the control panel to measure the heat and compression of both shoes
The same can be done on the vests as seen on the close up of the buttons above
‘They are very new to me,’ said Hodgkinson. ‘I literally got them a few days ago. It was nice of them to give it to me to try.
‘The vest is heat and ice, so one button you press for heat, one button you press for ice. After an ice bath, I was freezing so I was using the heat.
‘The boots are a form of compression and heat. They are supposed to be good for recovery. Nike are always trying to be ahead of the game in terms of recovery strategies.’
Athletes warm up to raise the body temperature to increase their blood flow to muscles to lessen the risk of injury. They cool down after competing to let the heart rate and blood pressure slowly recover to pre-exercise levels.
The new Nike vest uses thermoelectric coolers that deliver instant heating and cooling without the need for ice or liquid. It contains thermal modules with sensors which monitor and maintain body temperature. An air bladder and pressure sensor within the vest adjusts to the body by pressing thermal modules inward.
The boot contains dual-air bladders, bonded to warming elements that evenly distribute heat. It is designed to drive heat deep into the muscle and tissue in the foot and ankle, helping athletes move, perform and recover much faster.
Athletes who have worn the boot say their feet and ankles feel freer and lighter, as if they’ve already completed their warm-up. They can synchronise the heat and compression of both shoes with the press of a button.
Hodgkinson used the equipment to aid her recovery in between rounds in her Olympic bid
Hodgkinson delivered on her heavy backing for a medal with a dominant performance in the 800m final
‘Recovery is an important part of any athlete’s journey, but we’re hearing from athletes that this concept of ‘pre-covery’ is equally as important,’ said Tobie Hatfield, senior director of Nike Athlete Innovation.
‘The footwear and vest that we’ve developed with Hyperice help get the body ready for activity.’