Articles by author: Brock University

• Brock expert says World Athletics ban won’t stop technology being integrated into shoes

  Friday, January 31, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 31 January 2020 – R0021

  With World Athletics announcing more stringent regulations on Friday, Jan. 31 for running shoes ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, a Brock University expert says a ban on new shoe technology will do little to slow the implementation of new and sometimes controversial developments by major shoe companies.

  Though Nike’s Vaporfly shoes have escaped the ban, Brock University Assistant Professor of Sport Management Michael Naraine says they remain under the microscope. Athletes wearing Vaporfly shoes took 31 of 36 top-three finishes in major marathons last year. The Nike AlphaFly, which was worn by Eliud Kipchoge when he ran the first sub-two hour marathon in October, was banned by World Athletics Friday.

  “The Vaporfly and AlphaFly represent a key innovation in the running space for Nike, and those innovations do not happen overnight,” Naraine says. “There is considerable concern and skepticism in the athletics world that these shoes provide an unfair advantage to the runner. However, Nike is not the only company working on such innovations in this space.”

  As the ban is only a temporary one, Naraine says it will do little to stop ongoing development from Nike and its rivals.

  “By not allowing new shoes into competition for 2020, World Athletics has ensured that all stakeholders are on the same page.” he says. “But you will see more and more of this technology implemented post-Tokyo as the Asics, Brooks and Mizunos of the world catch up to the worldwide leader in running shoe innovation. This is just the beginning in athletics, and we’re going to see more technology integrated into the shoes we wear in other sports, such as sprinting, soccer and basketball.”

  Michael Naraine, an expert in sport business intelligence and Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Brock University, is available for interviews. 

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

   * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock’s CCOVI highlighted by Canada Foundation for Innovation

  Friday, January 31, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 30 January 2020 – R0020

  Innovations from Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) are being recognized for giving Ontario winemakers a more competitive edge.

  The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) launched its Research is my business partner campaign on Monday, Jan. 27 detailing how its investment in academic research institutes such as CCOVI, is helping businesses. The relationship between CCOVI and Fielding Estate Winery in Beamsville was an example given, with CCOVI helping the winery grow its sparkling wine sales by 30 per cent.

  Richie Roberts (BSc ’04), who has worked as winemaker at Fielding Estate for 12 years, calls himself a proud Brock University graduate.

  “The time I spent at CCOVI was an integral part of my future career in the wine industry,” said Roberts. “Having different sites that are monitored through the Harvest Monitoring Program, the analytical services they have at Brock are really valuable.”

  Fizz Club, a sparkling wine network that provides sparkling winemakers with the unique opportunity to compare notes and exchanges ideas, taste wines, hear about new research and visit sparkling wine regions, along with the Vine Alert program, a grapevine management and monitoring system for cold hardiness and injury, are some of the ways CCOVI is boosting the Ontario wine industry.

  CCOVI Senior Scientist Belinda Kemp says in addition to the research winery at the Institute, CCOVI is also equipped with world-class equipment that was purchased from the CFI fund.

  “The reputation of Ontario wines has grown so much over the past 10 years,” said Kemp. “We’ve got a very good reputation for innovative techniques during winemaking. We also have some amazing equipment that’s been purchased from the CFI fund that’s been fundamental in allowing us to pursue this project from the winemaking side and also the science side.”

  “Being recognized on a national scale reinforces the groundbreaking research we do at CCOVI,” said Director Debbie Inglis. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, which has also allowed us to play a key role in cultivating the success of the Ontario wine industry and contribute to the industry across Canada.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases