Bjørn Harald Olstad

Bjørn Harald Olstad is an Associate Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, specializing in physical performance with a focus on swimming biomechanics, aquatic safety education, and talent development. He leads the NIH Swim School and teaches swimming, lifesaving, and CPR/first aid.

• Education: PhD (2016) in swimming biomechanics, Master's and Bachelor's in sport science from University of Pacific
• Research Focus: Performance analysis, motion kinematics, motor learning, and aquatic technology applications
• Professional Background: Former Performance & Education Coordinator at American Swimming Federation, United States Olympic Committee member, and national team athlete in swimming/lifesaving

His work emphasizes load-velocity profiling, active drag assessment, and talent development in swimming. Recent projects include the ALFAC Aquatic Literacy Framework for European children's water safety.

Co-authored studies focus on:

• Swim stroke optimization
• Hydrodynamic resistance measurementUnderwater motion analysis
• Heart rate variability monitoring
• Aquatic curriculum development
• Gender-specific training approaches