Hugo González warns about the limitations of the Olympic pool
Hugo González de Oliveira, an emerging talent in Spanish swimming, has brought to public attention a crucial issue related to the La Defense swimming pool in Paris. In the framework of the Olympic Games, the swimmer from Palma de Mallorca has emphasized that this installation would not satisfy the current regulations of World Aquatics, which can affect not only his performance but that of all competitors.
A context of changing regulations
The pool, known as the venue for the Olympic Trials, was originally designed under criteria that have now become obsolete. Gonzalez, the world champion in the 200-meter backstroke, explains that the depth specifications have changed since July 1, with an impact that can complicate the finely tuned competition of these athletes.
The meaning of depth in swimming
In competitive swimming, the depth of the water is a fundamental aspect. The deeper the pool, the less turbulence is generated as swimmers move, resulting in better gliding. In the case of La Defense, with a depth of 2.10 to 2.20 meters, conditions are being created that can affect the efficiency of each stroke.
The physics behind swimming
The science of swimming, and fluid dynamics in particular, reveals that a deeper pool reduces the resistance that swimmers have to deal with. As they intensify their performance, the generation of rotational flows known as vortices can be compromised in a shallower pool, resulting in less propulsion.
An unfortunate regulatory change
The controversial change, which has coincided with the last stage of construction of the pool, has been carried out at the instance of the Italian company Myrtha Pools, which has been responsible for the facilities for the last six editions of the Games. The new dimensions compared to those of Tokyo 2020 have raised doubts about the fairness of the competitions.
An opportunity for excellence, despite limitations
Despite concerns about the La Defense pool, some performances have been notorious. Swimmers like Leon Marchand have achieved impressive Olympic records, lighting up the competition in hopes of breaking world records as well. Although it’s a slower stage, the athletes continue to push themselves to the max to harness their abilities.
As the August games approach, the swimming community is paying close attention not only to the condition of the pool, but to the unwavering determination of amateur and professional athletes competing under conditions that may not be optimal. This situation has become a testament to the resilience of sport and its ability to adapt to new challenges.