From Olympic Glory to Innovation: How Sir Mo Farah and Tatjana Smith Are Lighting up Their Rings with HUAWEI
At the heart of Barcelona’s HUAWEI Innovation Launch, two of the world’s most iconic athletes—Sir Mo Farah – Huawei Wearable Product Ambassador and Tatjana Smith South Africa’s Most Decorated Olympian—came together to showcase more than just medals. Both champions are redefining fitness with HUAWEI’s latest wearable technology, sharing their personal experiences and excitement about how this cutting-edge tech can revolutionise everyday fitness for all.
In the world of sports, few names resonate with such legendary status as Sir Mo Farah and Tatjana Smith. Both are Olympians, both are world record holders and today, they stand together as HUAWEI wearables champions brought together at the HUAWEI Innovation Launch in Barcelona.
The two athletes, from different sporting disciplines, have a shared understanding of what it takes to be the best and how technology, like the wearables they champion, can change the lives of athletes and regular users alike.
For Sir Mo Farah, who has long been associated with HUAWEI’s wearable products, the partnership has evolved beyond mere ambassadorship. He genuinely uses the technology every day and speaks to its impact. “Honestly, it’s amazing to be an ambassador for HUAWEI, not just starting now, but for many years,” he shares. “The watch’s capabilities, from tracking my stride to sleep monitoring, have been incredible. As an athlete, you need as much information as you can get. It helps you understand your body better and shows you areas where you might be pushing too hard or not enough.”
Farah’s dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, but it’s his unrelenting focus on improvement that stands out. He recounts the importance of data in his training, expressing how tools like wearables could have helped him early on. “If I had this information earlier in my career, maybe I could have avoided some mistakes or pushed a little harder where needed. It’s that detail that sets elite athletes apart.”
Tatjana Smith, the South African swimming sensation echoes this sentiment. Despite being relatively new to HUAWEI wearables, her experience with the technology has been eye-opening. “It’s my first time having a smartwatch, and I’m really enjoying it. Coming from South Africa, we don’t always have access to the highest-tech equipment, but with the watch, I can now see the small details that can make a big difference. For instance, if I feel tired, I can check my sleep data and understand why.”
Smith’s rise in the swimming world has been meteoric, particularly with her stunning performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she took home gold. However, the demands of her sport, both physically and mentally, have been immense. She shares how using the HUAWEI wearable has brought new insights into her training. “Before, it was more about how I felt, but now I have tangible data to back it up. It’s not just about swimming fast; it’s about knowing how to recover, how to rest, and where I can improve.”
The HUAWEI Innovation Launch in Barcelona wasn’t just another event for these two champions. It was a meeting point where their stories of discipline, sacrifice, and ambition intersected with the potential of technology. They were excited to share their thoughts on how wearables can inspire the next generation, not just in elite sports but for anyone looking to be more active.
“For me, it’s not just about elite athletes having access to this technology,” Farah explains. “What’s great about the HUAWEI watch is that it’s available to everyone. It’s about giving everyday people the same insights that athletes use, so they can improve their fitness, their health, and their well-being.”
Smith agrees, highlighting how the accessibility of wearables could have a huge impact on athletes in developing nations like South Africa. “We’ve always had to do more with less. If more athletes from countries like mine had access to this kind of technology, we could see some incredible performances. The watch makes it easier to monitor your progress and make adjustments where needed, even if you don’t have access to expensive equipment.”
The shared passion both Farah and Smith have for using technology to inspire others comes through clearly in their words. It’s about more than just tracking performance; it’s about empowering people to push their limits, whether they are running marathons or swimming laps.
At the Barcelona event, both athletes took a moment to reflect on what drives them. For Farah, it’s a deep sense of pride and the lessons he’s learned from his humble beginnings. “I think my upbringing taught me a lot. It’s the reason I’m the man I am today. It’s about grabbing every opportunity with both hands, working hard, and staying grounded.”
Smith’s motivation is rooted in her faith and the desire to show what’s possible. “I always wanted to prove that we could achieve great things in South Africa, even with the challenges we face. For me, it’s about using the talent I’ve been given and showing others that they can succeed too, no matter where they come from.”
Together, Farah and Smith embody the spirit of perseverance, excellence, and the drive to improve continuously. Their partnership with HUAWEI is more than just an endorsement; it’s a testament to the power of technology to transform lives. Whether you’re an Olympic champion or someone looking to stay active, the insights provided by HUAWEI wearables can help you be your best self, just like it does for these two world-class athletes.
As Smith sums it up, “It’s not just about winning medals. It’s about being the best version of yourself, and with the right tools, anyone can achieve that.”As Mo and Tatjana concluded their inspiring discussion, they emphasised the importance of staying active, a message central to HUAWEI’s “Light Up Your Rings” initiative. This new initiative encourages users to reach daily activity goals by completing the rings on their devices, promoting a healthier lifestyle for everyone. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, the “Light Up Your Rings” challenge offers a simple yet powerful way to stay motivated and track your progress.