From tennis Grand Slams, the Six Nations Rugby Championship and the FIS World Alpine Ski Championships to the UEFA Euro 2020, the Tour de France, and the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, last year was filled with the return of great sport competitions.

Ultimately, 2021 became a year of adaptation and innovation in a challenging situation.

Sport and physical activity lifted spirits and united individuals who shared their passion, energy, and determination. It proved to be a powerful source of inspiration and mark of resilience for communities all over Europe and the world.

In 2022, trends in sport, particularly in the fields of technology, sustainability and inclusivity are set to further alter the landscape.

Balancing act

Nowadays, a popular trend in health and wellness is, the increased focus on high-intensity interval trainings (HIIT). These trainings consist of working, resting and working again at an 80-95% heart rate.

This is said to improve heart health, increase fat loss and strengthen the body. Effective and practical, HIIT is highly flexible, time-wise.

Training in sports is a balancing act for many people seeking a healthy lifestyle which is compatible with their work life.

Increasingly, when it comes to health and wellness programs, trends indicate that people are demanding to have such programs as part of their employee benefits.

Technology-Shift

The sports industry is no stranger to evolving trends in technology. Every day we see new advancements in technology, from smart stadiums with integrated cameras, digital signs and Wi-Fi, to wearable technology like smartwatches, GPS and even vibrating yoga pants that correct your poses.

In the upcoming year, the way we view sports will also evolve as users watch events on mobile devices. Companies are investing in innovative designs to offer users the optimal browsing experience.

This shift to mobile-first engagement indicates that mobile is becoming the status quo, which helps to explain the emergence of countless new fitness apps every year.

Virtual sports worlds

Another trend that is set to disrupt the sports industry as we know it, is the growing investment in Virtual Reality (VR) and e-sports.

More powerful simulated reality in VR means users can connect through unlimited activities and adventures. E-sports treats videogames as a form of competition by emulating the experience of watching a professional sporting event.

Sporting Sustainability

The sport sector is not immune from the effects of climate change. Sustainability is increasingly moving to the mainstream.

Major sport events can generate tonnes of harmful Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and leave a substantial environmental footprint.

The COP26 agreement in 2021 made positive steps towards addressing the issue of climate change and this is reflected in measures to reduce the environmental impact of sport.

For example, organizations first need to make sure that environmental requirements and standards are maintained.

Venues are increasingly providing refillable water stations and bins that allow for waste separation. Energy conservation helps to reduce the impact of sporting events on the environment.

Spectators can also become involved by properly disposing of waste and when avoiding routes through sensitive ecosystems. Athletes themselves can contribute by using their influence to promote the importance of tackling climate change and other environmental issues.

Sustainable brands

Also very noticeable is the rush for sports brands to become more sustainable.

Labels are shifting to natural fibres like organic cotton or materials that do not contain harmful chemicals in their clothing and footwear ranges.

Companies analyse and certify the material properties of their products to ensure their environmental credentials. Each of us plays a role in how we consume our active wear and sports equipment.

Leave No One Behind

Sport is for everyone, but, in practice, there is still much that needs to be done to improve accessibility. Studies provide evidence to show that people living with disability participate far less in organised sport compared to other individuals.

Trends in 2022 are towards sporting organisations working to address this issue. Inclusive sport programs will increasingly offer the opportunity for everyone to interact with sport and get the chance to belong to a team.

Improving the accessibility of stadiums and sport venues is another key development. After improvements last year over the previous, 2022 promises to be an even better year for sports!