Innovations at Rowing Worlds Set New Benchmark

(ATR) World Rowing Federation executive director Matt Smith tells Around the Rings that several innovations in Amsterdam’s staging of the sport’s world championships have grown its appeal.

The 43rd rowing worlds opened earlier this week in the Dutch city, with 1,100 athletes from 60 countries participating in the competition on the Bosbaan international regatta course.

One of the key innovations for the 2014 rowing worlds has been years in the making. Smith said the research from FISA (the federation’s acronym) with the University of Amsterdam to analyze weather data and more accurately predict the incoming weather has paid off handsomely.

The research revealed that weather predictions can be accurately forecasted more than 24 hours ahead of time, which has allowed for adjustments to the race schedule, if necessary, by noon the previous day.

Smith told ATR that the weather modeling study "has been a huge step forward for us" because FISA has not had to wait to see what weather conditions they have to deal with at the last minute. He said that the organization of the championships have gone "extremely well."

"They have done a fantastic job with the full support of Amsterdam city," he said.

With official hotels close to the course in Amsterdam, teams only had to make minor adjustments to their schedules due to any weather issues. Alternative racing schedules were prepared in attempt to anticipate changes in the weather.

Last Sunday, the opening day of the championships, FISA was poised for a change in the racing format due to weather predictions, including cross-tail wind conditions with wind gusts. But a change in the weather forecast meant that the original format of six-lane, side-by-side racing was followed.

Fan Zone

Another initiative that has gone down well with fans is the new fan zone concept, which is likely to be emulated at future world champs.

Smith described it as "a great innovation… the use of the land around the venue was really well organized."

"Everyone feels like they are in VIP area. At the end of races, people celebrate athletes’ performances and they [the rowers] are brought back to the area. That is going really well," he added.

On the broadcasting front, a fly cam is being used for the first time at a FISA worlds, "providing really interesting images" for the host broadcaster.

On Thursday and Friday, the finals were held in the late afternoon to maximize the number of spectators and create the best atmosphere for the rowers.

FISA president Jean-Christophe Rolland spoke about the extensive program of activities linked to the event which have made the championships "even more special for visitors, rowers, sponsors and other stakeholders."

The championships wrap up on Sunday.

New FISA Strategy

The FISA Congress takes place on Monday with elections for several positions on the council.

It’s also the new FISA president’s first congress. Rolland will address delegates in Amsterdam, outlining his vision for the sport’s future.

A major agenda item is discussion of rowing’s new strategic plan following an evaluation of the sport’s achievements at the London 2012 Olympics.

"We have done a big analysis of where we are strong and where we are weak," Smith told ATR.

FISA has identified three issues that need addressing at the congress – universality, gender equality and sustainability.

Debate at the congress is one step in the consultation process. Smith said FISA is also waiting to see what changes emerge from the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 discussions in Monaco in December. A raft of changes are expected to be approved which will impact stakeholders throughout the Olympic Movement.

Reported by Mark Bisson.

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