After already installing Team GB’s Rio training spaces in 2016, Absolute Performance were once again asked by the British Olympic Association to supply and install the world-class gym facilities they required for the Tokyo 2020 games. Being invited to provide the bespoke gyms that will aid your nation’s Olympic team in accomplishing their dreams is no small feat.
It’s more than a job, it’s a responsibility.
These unique Team GB training facilities would be the strength training hubs for a group of over 300 elite competitors competing in 26 different disciplines. Team training for the rugby sevens, football and hockey would require multiple elite weight racks and enough space for group circuits. Weightlifters would require IWF accredited bars, plates and platforms which wouldn’t give out under the extreme loads dropped on them. Track and field athletes would require all manner of functional training accessories like medicine balls, wall balls, kettle bells and resistance bands to cater to their widely differing events.
On top of all this – or rather, under it – hundreds of square meters of matting tiles, protective boards and high-grade rubber gym flooring would be required to protect the site floors, the equipment and the athletes themselves.
A massive thank you to Absolute Performance for everything they’ve done for Team GB in Tokyo. It’s an incredible achievement and a fantastic realisation of all the planning and hard work over the past two years. Not withstanding all the obstacles and barriers, they’ve done us proud and it looks amazing.
– Greg Retter, Head of Performance Services, Team GB
The support we receive from Absolute Performance is always exemplary. From project inception in 2017 to installation in 2021, Tony and the team have been highly professional and focused on doing their best by you to deliver a world leading setup. Athlete experience is at the heart of what they do.
– Paul Ford, Sport Engagement Manager and Tokyo 2020 Deputy Chef de Mission, Team GB
Site 1 – Todoroki Stadium
Todoroki Stadium was host to the majority of the team pitch training during prep before the games (hockey, rugby sevens, football) as well as prep for track and field throwing athletes (sprinters, runners, hurdlers, shot putt, hammer throw etc). This facility required a large rubberised floorspace for group training, as well as performance weight training rigs, machines, free weights and accessories.
Site 2 – Keio University
Keio University was a pivotal site for Team GB as a powerful and inspiring training space. This training facility was located within the brand new (completed March 2020) Keio University Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall building, an enormous Tokyo architectural icon. As a double space installation, the first space was dedicated to strength and conditioning equipment. Legend Power Racks were custom sprayed in Olympic colours and Werksan weight plates were custom branded for Team GB and Keio University. The second room was kitted out for pure weightlifting training. Two competition standard Werksan weightlifting platforms (weighing over half a tonne each) were complemented with bespoke wooden jerk blocks and an ice recovery bath.
As a legacy site, this installation and equipment will remain with Keio University as a long standing thanks for their assistance during the games.
Site 3 – Team GB Performance Lodge
Located in the Odaiba region of Tokyo, this multi-use wooden basketball and gym court was converted into a vast rubber gym floorspace for strength and conditioning training, where all of Team GB would visit during the games. Again, this space was designed to cater for a huge range of sporting disciplines.
