The retrospective comparison of Olympic rowing results considering weather

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is comparing the rowing results in different aero- and hydrodynamics conditions. We analyzed the winners' results of the single sculls (1x) men finals at the Olympic Games regattas from Sydney to Tokyo. We used precise weather hour diary and satellite maps to reconstruct the exact weather race conditions.We found data on the sport results and parameters of the rowers on the official websites of the competitions and the WorldRowing website. The created physical and mathematical model of the weather conditions influence is based on the second law of mechanics and includes 22 variables which characterise environment and features of the rowing biomechanical system. The physical and mathematical model was implemented in the form of a computer application. The computer application made it possible to accurately assess the preparedness of athletes by clearing the distance time off the environment influence. The pure characteristic time allowed comparing the results obtained in different weather conditions. Calculation reveals that the weather conditions have an effect on race time significantly. The weather influence on Olympic race was in the range of - 10.10 to +5.94 seconds. The presented approach allows to register world and Olympic records for the first time in rowing history.