Gold target speeds for 2028 Olympics

Did you know how much faster will a 25% shorter race be compared to the standard 2000m distance? “Gold target times," or the prognostic speed of future regatta winners, is a popular topic among rowers and coaches. Since the race distance for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has been shortened to 1500m, the prognostic speed cannot be derived simply by proportionally shortening the target times for the 2000m race. This is because athletes will be able to generate more power and achieve higher speeds in shorter races.

To address this question, we studied the relationship between race speed, distance, and duration. Since no such data exists for on-water rowing, we analyzed world records on the Concept2 rowing machine across 26 elite events, both male and female, covering race distances from 100m to 42,195m. Additionally, we examined 28 world records in track running over comparable distances. Our analysis found that the power equation v=a t^b provides the best approximation of the relationship between speed (v) and race duration (t). The speed and associated equations differed for males - females and for rowing - running. In an effort to identify a universal trend, we normalized the data: the speed (v₂₀₀₀) and duration (t₂₀₀₀) of the standard 2000m rowing race were set to 100%, and results for other distances were expressed as ratios relative to these values. The results for the 3000m running race - duration of which is similar to that of the 2000m rowing race (~7 minutes) - were used as 100%.

The power trends of the normalized data were remarkably similar across all rowing and running events, for both males and females (Fig. 1c-d). The general regression equation for all events (n = 43) was found to be v = t^-0.0667 (R² = 0.96), which closely approximates v = 1 / t^1/15. Using this equation, we estimated the effect of reducing the race distance to 75% of the standard: on average, the speed in a 1500m race should be 1.94% higher than in a 2000m race.

A 2% increase in speed may not seem dramatic, but achieving it would require approximately 6% more rowing power. As aerobic capacity reaches its peak after three minutes, this power excess would be covered by anaerobic energy sources. The typical aerobic/anaerobic distribution in a 2000m race is 85%/15%, but a 6% higher power demand in a 1500m race would shift the distribution to 80%/20%, requiring a 40% increase in the anaerobic power, meaning that a similar energy would be spent in a shorter time.

This shift would necessitate adjustments in training methods, emphasizing more speed and interval training while reducing long steady-state mileage. Additionally, racing stroke rates may increase further, requiring lighter rigging and/or shorter stroke lengths.

To develop Target Speeds for the 1500m Olympic Regatta in 2028, the following methodology was used: 1) Target times for the standard 2000m race were derived based on trends from World Championship winners over the past 30 years. 2) Target speeds were adjusted for the shorter race duration using the power equation above, increasing by 1.94%. 3) Target times for the 1500m race were calculated based on the adjusted speeds.

Expected Effects on the Sport of Rowing

Potential Benefits: More exciting, fast-paced races that could enhance TV broadcasting appeal. The emergence of new rowing stars, potentially elevating the sport’s profile. Opportunities for new training methods and equipment advancements.

Potential Drawbacks: A break from tradition, making historical race comparisons impossible. No new Olympic or world records in the standard 2000m format. Possible erosion of rowing identity as an aerobic endurance sport.

Impact on athlete selection and career development should also be considered, with it potentially favouring power-based rowers over endurance specialists. Another question to be answered is: “Should we run selection races at the standard 2000m distance? Or, switch it to the new 1500m format?”