Paula Radcliffe Makes a Comeback with the Help of RS Print’s 3D Printed Insoles
One of the biggest city marathons in the world, the 44th annual New York City Marathon took place yesterday, November 2. Despite the cold and windy weather condition, millions of people lined up to cheer some 50,000 participants who ran 26.2 miles through the streets of New York.
After winning this prestigious marathon in 2008, world-record-holder Paula Radcliffe experienced a setback in her running career because of a foot injury. But, where there’s a will, there’s always a way. She made her comeback this past September at the Worcester City Marathon, on custom-made insoles 3D Printed through RS Print, powered by Materialise.
Paula Radcliffe holding her RSprint insoles
In her first race in 2 years, marathon champion Paula Radcliffe made a comeback with a strong run in the Worcester City 10km race. Supporting her every move were RS Print’s 3D Printed insoles, which were designed based on her dynamic gait analysis. The support from these personalized insoles helped her cross the finish line in just 35 minutes and 49 seconds! Paula’s 10km race is part of her training to reach the London Marathon in April 2015 and RS Print, a joint venture between Materialise and RSscan International, will be there with her every step of the way.
Paula Radcliffe’s 3D printed insoles with her name on it!
Paula Radcliffe made a comeback with a strong run in the Worcester City 10km race
The 3D Printed insoles created by RS Print are made through a set process. First, a trained specialist takes a dynamic scan of your gait using RS Scan’s footscan© system. The specialist can then analyze your footprint to see where exactly and in which direction you need extra support. Based on the specialist’s analysis and input, a design is generated, which is then sent to RS Print. RS Print then “engineers” this design into a thin, lightweight and dynamic insole that is 3D Printed. Finally, a cushioning layer is mounted on top to add extra comfort.
RS scan‘s footscan© system analyzes your
Trained specialist takes a dynamic scan of your gait using RS Scan’s footscan© system
According to Paula, “Whether your goal is to break the marathon world record or to run in the annual 5km race in your street with some friends, having a footscan® analysis is just a responsible thing to do to prevent possible problems. It’s truly amazing what the guys at RSscan can see on my footscan® gait analysis and RS Print’s 3D Printed insoles work to fit my personal running style.”
3D model of insoles, designed based on footprints
3D printed insoles fit your feet perfectly!
Taking good care of your feet is crucial to long-term health and performance, Paula stresses. “I use the insoles in training to prevent over-stressing my body during workouts. Since my injury, I am now more cautious than ever to make sure my feet are well taken care of so that I can reach my new running goals of the London Marathon. Without the support of RSscan and the insoles I would not have been able to recover back to this point post-operation and also probably not be able to continue my career as long as I did on my foot!”
Other sports specialists are turning to 3D printing as well. Lieven Maesschalck, physical therapist of the Belgian Red Devils , visited RS Print on October 28.
Get your 3D printed custom-made insoles at RS Lab stores!
RS Print is opening up 3D Printing technology to everyone: you can already get your very own 3D Printed insoles at the RS Lab stores in Belgium. The insoles will also be available in other European regions very soon, so keep an eye on their website to find out when RS Print will be coming to a city near you!
