SwimmingSA members can now get accurate race times at meets without the chore of timekeeping. The association’s new OllyGo mobile video timing system was commissioned at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre on 10–11 October.
Supporting volunteers
Finding enough volunteers to run a competition is one of the most persistent operational challenges in the sport. SwimmingSA’s Swim Forward program, backed by the South Australian Government through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, is tackling it with Olly Timing as technology partner.
Olly Timing replaces three timekeepers per lane with two operators per system. That improves the accuracy and integrity of finish decisions while making competitions more sustainable for clubs already stretched thin.
Technology used since 2008
High-speed video timing has been used at major national and international swimming championships since 2008. Olly Timing brings the same technology to every level of the sport. Since launching in 2024, it has recorded more than 270,000 race times across Australia, Europe and the United States, saving over 23,000 hours of timekeeping.
SwimmingSA has worked closely with Olly Timing to evaluate the system and tailor it to the association’s needs. The mobile OllyGo variant was successfully trialled at the SwimmingSA Country Championships in Port Pirie in January 2026.
For all members
At the Ignite meet on 10–11 October, OllyGo ran as backup timing alongside the venue’s touchpad system. Video times were used to validate touchpad times and to replace any that were missing or incorrect.
Because OllyGo fits in the back of a car, one system can serve multiple venues. SwimmingSA plans to support all its members with systems available for use at all levels of competition as part of its Swim Forward project.
Implementation
Operator training is under way. SwimmingSA plans to showcase OllyGo at the upcoming ClubLabs roadshow and use it at the 2027 Country Championships in Murray Bridge.
