Results of the luge athletes strongly depend on the successful start. While number of methods successfully analysed movements around start handles, still there is lack of methods to monitor paddling strokes. Present paper demonstrates smart textile gloves, designed for such a purpose. Developed gloves allow to measure timing of the arms strokes as well as easily distinguish between good stroke, when athlete’s palms are in full contact with ice, and insufficient one, when fingers just slide over ice without providing good push.

Keywords: luge start, paddling, athlete performance, wearables, smart textile