World Triathlon has confirmed that FORM Smart Swim Goggles are allowed in all World Triathlon competition formats after review from the World Triathlon Technical Committee.
With this approval, FORM goggles are legal in World Triathlon, Super League Triathlon (SLT), Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), USA Triathlon (USAT) and any World Triathlon-sanctioned races.
Using the FORM goggles during competition, professional and amateur athletes can use the in-goggle display to access their real-time data to keep them on track at their targeted pace.
“This is a monumental moment for FORM and the entire sport of triathlon,” said Dan Eisenhardt, CEO of FORM.
“The race approval through the governing body of the sport is a turning point for the triathlete community. Athletes in these races can access their real-time performance metrics to pace themselves and push the sport further in the water, just as they do in cycling and running.
“Having leading private triathlon organizations and the governing body approve the use of the FORM Smart Swim goggles in competition is a testament to our product and innovation in the sport.”
FORM adds that swimming has been underserved by technology. Swimmers have traditionally needed to rely on a clock, flags, distance to a buoy, or a coach to judge their pace and/or distance, or break their pace and look at a watch.
Launched in 2019, FORM’s smart swim goggles have helped to reinvent how athletes train in the water. Using FORM goggles’ display, swimmers have the ability to see their performance metrics such as pace per 100m, distance, calories and stroke rate in real-time through the in-goggle display technology.
In its focus on supporting triathletes, the FORM goggles also offer open-water capabilities. In open water, the FORM goggles provide swimmers with performance metrics such as time and stroke rate. When paired with compatible Garmin or Apple watches, the FORM goggles can also display distance, pace and heart rate – which can all be seen in the swimmer’s line of sight.
In 2021, FORM launched Workouts, where FORM users can choose from over 1,500+ coach-designed workouts and be guided through an immersive training experience using the in-goggle display. Following the workout, the swimmer can access their data, providing additional insight into their training.
“Being able to wear FORM goggles in competitive races will help professional and amateur triathletes in a number of ways,” explained Brian Johns, Head of Coaching Science at FORM.
“For a start, it will enable athletes to pace themselves and manage their effort, particularly at the start of their race in the water. Athletes can quickly assess how far they’ve swum and still have to go. It will also help with their real-time stroke rate and allow them to execute their race plan more precisely.”
“The approval catches swimming up to both running and cycling for the use of technology in competition. The other benefit is that athletes experience less anxiety in the water because they feel less alone.”
PTO CEO Sam Renouf said “The PTO has always looked to incorporate new technology and innovation in order to take the sport forward. We’re excited and supportive of the news and look forward to seeing the impact that it makes.”
Michael D’hulst, CEO and Co-Founder of Super League Triathlon, said “As soon as FORM launched, our athletes were quick to adopt the new technology. We’ve witnessed first-hand how effective the FORM goggles are for training, and now we can’t wait to see how they elevate the athletic performance of the athletes in competition.
“By making FORM goggles race-approved, SLT is making it known that we are on the forefront of innovation and our races are about to push the boundaries of what’s possible in triathlon.”
USA Triathlon Commissioner of Officials, Mark Turner added “USA Triathlon will always seek to work collaboratively with those who seek to bring innovation to multisport. We are happy to affirm and clarify that FORM goggles are legal for use in USAT-sanctioned races.”
