In cycling, every detail is meticulously analyzed for aerodynamics, from helmets to socks. However, in Olympic athletics events, sprinters often show up with elaborate hairstyles and jewelry, which can affect their performance. A recent study focused on the impact of hair and outfits on athlete performance, specifically in the women’s long jump.
The study, led by Dutch aerodynamicist Bert Blocken, revealed that haircuts can increase aerodynamic drag by 8.7%, while clothing choices can vary drag by 27.9%. This could result in a difference of up to 10 centimeters in the long jump, a significant distance in the sport. Since flight time plays a crucial role in the long jump performance, factors like aerodynamic drag can have a substantial impact.
Researchers noted a variety of hairstyles ranging from tightly tied-up hair to dreadlocks, all affecting aerodynamics differently. Clothing styles also varied, with some outfits flapping in the wind, potentially slowing down the athletes. The study emphasized the importance of wind-tunnel-tested outfits and suggested that full-body suits covering the head could provide significant advantages to athletes, especially sprinters.
The study’s findings suggest that athletes could benefit from adopting more aerodynamic outfits, similar to what Cathy Freeman did in 2000 when she won the 400m at the Sydney Olympics in a full-body suit. While the transition to full-body suits may take time due to the conservative nature of athletics, the potential performance gains make it a worthwhile consideration for athletes looking to improve their results.