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Team USA prepares for Rio with latest technology

Posted at 4:09 PM, Jun 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-02 11:25:31-04

Team USA is gearing up for this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, by using the latest wearable technology, nutrition plans and even climate-controlled chambers. 

For the first time, the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs gave The NOW's Anne McNamara an inside look at the preparation.

The training here goes beyond the physical, incorporating state-of-the-art technology into practices and training. Two boxers wore devices on their wrists to calculate the speed, power and number of punches thrown.

"Nico's punch speed was 16 miles per hour, whereas Shakur was focusing more on the number of punches," said Mounir Zok, Senior Sport Technologist.

Track and field Olympian Desiree Linden runs in a climate-controlled chamber. The staff can adjust the altitude and oxygen to test how Linden would perform in conditions like Rio. 

"If they're not able to run, swim, bike, row, as fast as they could at sea level, their training is actually going backward," said Randy Wilber, Senior Sport Physiologist.

When it comes to food, Olympic nutritionists made a Rio-inspired meal for lunch, full of proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates.

But, the staff plans to bring American items, like Chobani yogurt, so athletes do not have to worry about finding familiar food in a different country.

From the food to the practice methods, everything at the Olympic training center is designed to give Team USA its best chance at bringing home gold.

Wednesday marks 65 days until the opening ceremony for the summer Olympics.