Development of results in international rowing championships 1893???1971

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Abstract
The winning times of men's international rowing championships have been collected over a period of 79 years (1893–1971). The regression for the relationship between winning time and year was calculated for each of seven events: Pair, Pair with Cox, Four, Four with Cox, Eight, Single, and Double Sculls. The average slope of the regression lines was −0.7 sec per year. This reflects a 40% improvement in “work-output” through the 79 year period. The increase of “work-output” is explained by an increasing height of the general population (10%), better selection and training of oarsmen (15%), and better boats and rigging of the boats (15%). The expected time for rowing 2000 m 1972 could be calculated as follows: 7.03, 7.34, 6.29, 6.37, 6.01, 7.21, and 6.41 (min-sec) respectively. Equivalent speed and time per boatlength are presented. The values are considered the optimal times (records) for the year of the regatta eliminating the influence of wind and current on the results. It is suggested to compare actual obtained regatta results to these estimates instead of the now available course records, which are all very dependent on water and wind conditions.

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