(ATR) World Athletics launches a 3D virtual museum to bring iconic artifacts directly to the public.
The Museum of World Athletics (MOWA) (http://www.worldathletics.org/MOWA) opened Monday, offering online visitors a free interactive journey through the history of the sport. Exhibits feature athletes such as Jesse Owens, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt.
Shoes, clothing and equipment were photographed 36 times apiece – once every 10 degrees – so every detail, including stains and scratches, can be seen by visitors who rotate or zoom in on the items. Written content -- in French and English and possibly Spanish in the future – and photos and videos provide context.
"With the creation of MOWA, World Athletics has crossed the line first," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who donated items to the collection. "We are not only the first international sports federation to launch a 3D sports museum online, MOWA is the first virtual sports museum of any kind in the world."
At present, there are three immersive spaces and the museum will expand and evolve over time. MOWA is designed to look and feel like a real building – complete with exit signs, fire alarms and ambient sound. The experience includes more than 60 exhibits and 400 items of supporting content honoring athletes from more than 30 countries in all six continental areas.
Visitors arrive in a large reception hall full of historical displays and are greeted by new acquisitions from Herb Elliott (1960 Olympic singlet and number from his gold-medal-winning 1,500 meters) and Grete Waitz (running shoes from the height of her career as a pioneer in women’s running).
The next space is the "Origins Tunnel, a 3,000-year journey from antiquity to modern times.
The final space is the World Athletics Championships Collections Room, which focuses on the 17 editions of the world championships.
Two more rooms will open later this year. Beginning July 2, the Olympic room will showcase top Games performers in time for the Tokyo Olympics. This fall an additional room will honor performers from indoor, cross country, road running and race walking events.
"In the last three years we’ve assembled the world’s greatest athletics collection which continues to grow," said Chris Turner, director of the World Athletics Heritage Department.
He added that exhibits are "entirely dependent upon generous donations of athletes" and so far about 100 athletes have contributed.
Turner has curated exhibits at events, including a six-month stint in Doha before and during the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, but Covid-19 cancelled plans in 2020 and into 2021.
"So the answer was simple, to go online," he said.
World Athletics worked with dcSPORT, a digital sport company led by Jason Gardener, an Olympic gold medalist and 2004 world champion in the 60-meter dash for Great Britain.
There are plans to add an e-commerce gift shop next year.
Homepage photo: World Athletics
Written by Karen Rosen
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