Tokyo 2020: Asking how to stay cool

When it comes to Sailing at the Olympic Games, the athletes are surrounded by team managers, coaches, and rules experts all seeking to gain advantage. During Ready Steady Tokyo – Sailing, the official test event for Tokyo 2020 on August 17-22, questions are published with a response, many of which address the high heat and humidity in Enoshima, Japan:

Question from Spain:
A number of teams, of which Spain is one of them, are conducting core temp measurements to prevent medical issues related to overheating. This study is conducted by ingesting a pill which measures core body temperature. This information is then transmitted via Bluetooth from the pill to a device. This device needs to be carried at a distance less than one meter from the athlete. Therefore, to be able to monitor this information, each athlete needs to carry an electronic device attached to body to recover this information. Hereby we would like to request for the athlete to be allowed to carry this device during the Test Event.

Response:
If permission is granted, it will be announced via a sailing instruction amendment (none yet).

Question from Ireland:
We ask that the SIs are changed for the Laser and Radial Class to allow heart rate monitors to be worn while racing. The heart rate monitors are worn under the clothing and have no display. Under ILCA Class Rules 22.(e) the SIs can give permission to use electronic devices. Our intention is to use the heart rate monitors to gather information on how the heat is affecting workloads and the resulting health implications for our athletes. We are happy to share all data gathered anonymously.

Response:
Having discussed this matter with the WS Medical Commission, permission will not be given.

Question from France:
After the first racing day we still have big concerns regarding body heat. The wear of PFDs is still required almost all the time. We do think the bib is also a big problem for body heat. Would it be possible for this event to allowed sailors not to wear the bib or provide bibs in a more breathable fabric?

Response:
See SI Amendment 5 which states that “except in the Men’s and Women’s Windsurfer Events, athletes shall wear personal flotation devices at all times while afloat, except briefly while changing or adjusting clothing or personal equipment. Athletes may also remove their personal flotation devices when not racing if they are alongside a registered support boat which has its engine off.”

Event details – Entry list – Results – Facebook

Racing in Enoshima commenced on Saturday August 17. The 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17, and RS:X fleets will conclude racing on August 21 with the 470s, Laser, Laser Radial, and Finns following on August 22.