UK-based technology company Feldspar has completed early-stage testing of a sensor-enabled prototype track, which it claims offers 20% more energy return than the surface used at the Paris Olympics.
The new high-performance track, developed over two years and more than 40 design iterations, uses patent-pending technology to convert vertical force into horizontal momentum.
Feldspar said this results in greater propulsion and less energy loss, which may translate into significantly faster sprint times depending on athlete ability and conditions.
Feldspar is positioning the track as both a performance surface and a data platform. It captures live metrics such as stride length, foot placement and direct force from athlete footsteps, integrated into a cloud-based analytics system.
Real-time data can then be shared with coaches and athletes, and used to improve technique, reduce injury risk and enhance fan engagement.
The company’s early testing included top youth athletes in the UK, including GB sprinters Teddy Wilson and Renee Regis. Wilson said the responsive surface helped with acceleration and had a softer feel that improved warm-up drills. Regis added that the track encouraged proper form and gave a sense of propulsion with each stride.
Alvina Chen, Founder and CEO of Feldspar, stated that the track marks a turning point for athlete performance and sports technology. “Testing the smart track and receiving such positive feedback from some of the UK’s most talented young athletes has been incredible,” said Chen.
“At Feldspar our mission is to power athlete performance from the ground up. This innovation is a true game-changer in sports flooring technology, which we believe will spark a revolution in athletics, sports entertainment, and beyond.”
Darren Campbell, MBE, Global Track Strategy Director at Feldspar, said the technology offers a “milestone” moment for the sport.
“With real-time performance insights captured directly from the track surface, we are not just enhancing speed and efficiency – we are also transforming how sports are consumed and experienced by athletes and fans,” said Campbell.
Unlike traditional surfaces, Feldspar’s modular system is designed to be portable and quicker to install, opening up opportunities for events to be hosted in more diverse locations.
The company is now in discussions with industry partners, federations and clubs to bring the track to market.
