Is the Paris pool slow and shallow? Experts say it’s not only about depth 2024

artistic swimming olympics There has been considerable discussion about whether the pool at the Paris 2024 Olympics is slow and shallow, which might be affecting swimmers’ performances and the lack of world records compared to previous Olympics. Here’s a detailed analysis of the factors involved:

Depth and Turbulence artistic swimming olympics 2024

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The Paris pool at La Défense Arena is about 2.15 meters deep, which is shallower than the 3 meters recommended by World Aquatics. Shallower pools tend to create more turbulence because waves reflect off the bottom, making it harder for swimmers to maintain a streamlined position. This increased turbulence can slow swimmers down​ (PhysOrg)​​ (SwimSwam)​.

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Water Clarity and Calmness artistic swimming olympics 2024

Experts like Kevin Post, CEO at Counsilman-Hunsaker, which designs pools for USA Swimming, emphasize that the visual calmness of the water can indicate a fast pool. Pools that appear as still as glass tend to have less turbulence and are considered faster​ (Iowa Public Radio)​. The quicker the water returns to a state of quiescence after a swimmer passes through, the faster the pool is.

Psychological and Performance Limits artistic swimming olympics 2024

Another factor to consider is the psychological impact of believing the pool is slow. This perception can affect swimmers’ performances, as they might feel less confident about breaking records​ (PhysOrg)​. Additionally, some experts argue that we are approaching the limits of human performance, and the rate of new records might naturally slow down​ (PhysOrg)​.

Comparison with Previous Competitions artistic swimming olympics 2024

Comparisons between the times recorded at the Paris Olympics and those from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the 2023 World Championships reveal slower prelim times in Paris. This suggests that the pool’s characteristics might indeed be impacting performance, though the extent is still debated​ (SwimSwam)​.

Other Contributing Factors artistic swimming olympics 2024

While depth and turbulence are significant, other factors like lane lines, starting blocks, and even the swimmer’s psychology play roles in performance. It’s also worth noting that pools at previous Olympics, like Beijing 2008, were designed with these factors in mind and were renowned for being fast​ (Iowa Public Radio)​.

In conclusion, while the Paris pool’s depth is a contributing factor to the slower times and lack of world records, it’s not the only element at play. The combination of physical properties of the pool, psychological factors, and possibly reaching the upper limits of human performance all contribute to the overall outcomes observed at these Games.

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