U.S. Biathlon Olympic Team Member Tim Burke Powers through Training Using the Silva® Tech4O™ Ski Speedometer

U.S. Biathlon Olympic Team Member Tim Burke Powers through Training Using the Silva® Tech4O™ Ski Speedometer


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (February, 2006) – Silva, a leader in digital instruments for measuring personal performance, has collaborated with U.S. Olympic Biathlon team member Tim Burke, providing Silva® Tech4O™ Ski Speedometer product for training and preparation for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. The Ski Speedometer records information vital to Burke in his Biathlon training, such as actual ground speed, distance, pace and heart rate. The biathlon event combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

“I was very eager to work with Silva because of their innovative product
line,” says Tim Burke, U.S. Olympian. “The Silva Tech4O Ski Speedometer stood out to me because, although biathlon events take over 20 minutes to complete, they are often won and lost by seconds. For this reason, every little advantage that I can have in training makes a huge difference.”

Burke will compete in a minimum of three of the five Biathlon medal events during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino; the Individual Biathlon, the Sprint Biathlon and the Relay Biathlon. Overall results from the Individual and Sprint races will narrow competitors to the top 60, who will then compete in the Pursuit Biathlon Race. The top 30 qualifiers will participate in the Mass Start Biathlon. Biathlon events will take place from February 11 – 25, 2006.

“Prior to using the ski speedometer,” adds Burke, “I only recorded time during my workouts. With the addition of the Silva speedometer, I have been able to keep track of both distances and speed, down to the second, which is something other tools can’t do. This information gives me that much more detail into the specifics of each workout. I use this information to gauge my efforts, which then helps me prepare better for the next training session.”

The Silva® Tech4O™ Ski Speedometer is designed for skiers who want to measure their true speed and distance. Using the same kind of radar system as used by law enforcement, the radar sensor captures, analyzes and wirelessly transmits actual ground speed, maximum speed, pace, distance, and calories burned to a receiver watch. The Silva Ski Speedometer also works with an optional heart monitor chest strap to track and display heart rate.

Silva, based in Binghamton, New York, designs, manufactures and markets industry-leading instruments that provide feedback on one’s outdoor environment and personal performance, including compasses (analog and digital), handheld and watch-style digital computers with over 50 functions including time, altimeter, barometer, compass and logbook, plus advanced digital tools to measure personal performance during skiing, running and inline skating. Silva is a division of Johnson Outdoors, a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of award-winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment. Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include: Old Town® canoes and kayaks, Ocean Kayakâ„¢, Necky® kayaks, Escape® electric boats, Minn Kota® motors, Humminbird® fishfinders, Scubapro® and UWATEC® dive equipment, Silva compasses and digital instruments, and Eureka!® tents and sleeping bags. For more information, visit www.silvausa.com.

###