What is a medal race in Olympic sailing?

Olympic sailing changed dramatically in 2008 in Beijing with the introduction of the Medal Race.

Prior to those Games, each race counted equally with the crew or sailor with the lowest combined score taking gold.

In 2008, though, a new element was added into the mix, providing extra uncertainty in the final stages of a regatta.

The Medal Race format has remained in place across every boat class since Beijing, but how does it work?

The Medal Race in boat classes

For six of the Olympic sailing classes, there is a settled format which consists of an Opening Series, followed by a Medal Race.

In the Opening Series, the sailors will compete across a succession of races, scoring points based on their finishing position, generally with one race which is discarded.

At the end of the Opening Series, the top 10 boats qualify for the Medal Race. In this one-off race, points are doubled, with the winner scoring two points and the boat that finishes in last place scoring 20.

While it is possible for the gold medal to be secured ahead of the Medal Race, the double points on offer mean that there is usually jeopardy heading into that final race.

As a result, it provides all the drama as gold medals swap hands, podium positions disappear and calculators are kept at the ready.

 

The Medal Race in iQFOiL windsurfing

The Medal Series in iQFOiL windsurfing is a little different, although it also involves a top 10 who qualify from the Opening Series.

From that point, it changes compared to the boat classes. Those boats ranked fourth to 10th qualify for the quarter-finals, with two progressing from that race into the semi-final.

In that semi-final, those two athletes will join the competitors who finished second and third in a four-strong race for two spots in the final.

In the final, everything starts again, with the podium decided based on finishing position in that race.

The Medal Race in Formula Kite

The newest class at the Olympics is the Formula Kite, perhaps the most spectacular of all the Olympic events.

It is a different format again. In Formula Kite, the Opening Series also sees 10 competitors qualify for the Medal Series.

The top two go straight through to the final, while the remaining eight compete in the semi-finals – four in each.

Those seeded third and fourth after the Opening Series begin the semi-final with two wins to their names, with the fifth and sixth seeds carrying over one victory. The first person in each semi-final with three wins qualifies for the final.

This means a semi-final could be over in one race – should the top seed win and take their tally to three, or it could continue for an extended period if those without wins carried over dominate proceedings.

Once one kiteboarder has qualified from each semi-final, the final four are set. As with the semi-finals, there is an advantage to qualifying well. The top overall seed begins with two wins, the second seed with one, and the rest start from scratch.

Once again, the first to three wins is crowned champion, with the event brought to a close when the gold medal is secured.