Paris 2024 Athletes Run on Shells for a Curious Reason

Athletes competing in Olympic Games in Paris they run further clam and mussel shells. This statement, absolutely true, may seem to us to be connected with some Spartan (and crazy) form of training, but in fact it refers to nothing more and nothing less than purple track where track and field competitions are held. Instead of being made of rubber, as in recent editions, half of its composition is made of powder from processed bivalve shells.

This solves two very important problems. On the one hand, it recycles a significant portion of the shells obtained from the fishing industry, which would otherwise end up in landfills. And, on the other hand, it significantly reduces carbon footprint This assumes the production of conventional athletics tracks. In fact, it is estimated that the equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions is saved. Mileage 60,000 km on a Euro 4 diesel vehicle.

The purple carpet of the Paris Olympic Games attracted attention with its color, which was also very different from the usual. But we did not realize that its materials were also completely innovative. Of course, both problems have nothing to do with each other.

The role of fragmented projectiles

Rubber is a material with very useful properties for the production of athletics tracks. It is capable of absorb the shock of a step runners and at the same time neutralizes the rebound, increasing the efficiency of their movements and allowing them to run faster. In addition, it is a soft but hard material, so possible falls are less traumatic.

These are all advantages, but there is a huge disadvantage. Natural rubber is a material very expensive and, moreover, its production from tree trunks is one of the main industrial reasons deforestation. For all this, rubber filled with other substances has long been used, so there was no need to obtain so much of this material. The most commonly used filler is calcium carbonate, since it increases its volume, while providing resistance to tearing and abrasion.

But again, there is a problem. Calcium carbonate is usually obtained through mining and processes that require huge amounts of money. carbon footprint and disrupt local ecosystems. What can you do about it?

This question was asked by Mondoa company that has been making Olympic athletics tracks since the 70s. After brainstorming, they decided to contact an Italian fishing cooperative. Niedditas, to provide them with mussels and clam shells. They are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. Thus, by grinding them, the ideal powder was obtained, which could be used as a filler for the famous purple path. Olympic Games in Paris.

Why did they put a purple carpet in these Olympics?

The color of the track has nothing to do with the materials used in these Olympics. It could have been made of shell dust and painted the same color as always.

However, this year it was decided to use the purple track for purely aesthetic questions. It was thought that this color would look much brighter on broadcasts. And so it is. The public seems to be happy with the new aesthetics of the athletics track. The most important thing is not what you see, but at least we also know that there is something inside that helps take care of the environment. All these are advantages.