UK-based tech company Feldspar has appointed Darren Campbell MBE as Global Track Strategy Director, effective immediately.
In the newly created role, the Olympic Gold medallist sprinter will oversee real-time testing of Feldspar’s next-generation smart running track prototype, complimentary to his role as Head of Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays at UK Athletics.
Feldspar’s performance running track is being developed to incorporate advanced sensors. In addition, camera-based methods measure the movement of athletes through their footsteps and stride to capture data in real-time, bringing new levels of precision in analysing running performances.
Alvina Chen, Founder and CEO of Feldspar, said “We are thrilled to welcome Darren to Feldspar. His winning mindset and deep understanding of athletic performance and broadcasting make him an invaluable addition to our rapidly growing team as we advance the development of our modular digital high-performance running track.
“Darren’s exceptional career, top-tier coaching expertise, international network in the world of athletics, and broadcast and media experience, will undoubtedly be key in turning Feldspar’s ambitious vision into reality.”
Darren Campbell, MBE, said “I’m excited to join Feldspar at such a pivotal moment for athletics. With Team GB achieving an all-time-high by bringing home 10 medals from Paris on the running track, we all feel the energy, but I strongly believe the opportunity is there to inject more excitement into the sport and that the industry is ripe for innovation.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Feldspar and helping to bring athletics to the digital age. Feldspar’s sensor-enabled running track is a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to revolutionise not just how athletes train and compete, but also how fans experience live events.
“Furthermore, from a broadcast standpoint, incorporating real-time data and engaging insights post-race could enable an unprecedented level of analysis. This deeper level of insight has the potential to enhance the viewers’ understanding and draw them closer to the action on the track.
He added “I look forward to continuing to explore new ways of what’s possible in elite sports performance and I’m excited to bring my experience as an athlete, a coach, and a broadcaster to the table.”
