EXCLUSIVE: Start May Be Moved Up for Tokyo Olympic Rowing Events

October 10, 2018

Buenos Aires- The organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics is considering moving up the starting time of rowing events in the 2020 Games by up to one hour to 8:30 a.m., Jiji Press learned Monday.

The World Rowing Federation, or FISA, and the International Olympic Committee have expressed concerns over daytime high temperatures and humidity in Tokyo, as well as strong winds at the competition venue, according to informed sources.

Rowing events in the Tokyo Olympics are slated to take place on July 24-31, 2020.

The IOC asked the Tokyo organizing committee to move up the starting time last month, the sources said, adding that the rowing federation hopes the events will be finished in the morning to protect athletes from the summer heat.

Moreover, strong winds and resulting waves at the venue, the Sea Forest Waterway in the Tokyo Bay area, are feared to affect the competitions, and it is desirable for the events to be held in the morning when winds are relatively calmer, the sources said.

Due to concerns over summer heat wave in Tokyo, a decision was made earlier this year to move up the starting time of outdoor events at the 2020 Games, including the marathon, race walking and golf. Jiji Press