MATTHEW SHEAHAN

IF A NEW OLYMPIC FORMAT IS NEEDED, HOW DO WE MAKE IT FAIR? IT SURELY CAN'T BE TV THAT CALLS THE SHOTS

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What should an Olympic medal represent? Is it still sport’s ultimate accolade? Is it a demonstration that you're the best in the world and have dedicated your entire life to proving it? Or is it more of a Blue Peter badge, a confirmation that you took part in a piece of sporting media entertainment that you should be proud of?

As we head towards the next Olympic Games regatta in San Diego there are a growing number of sailors who are extremely worried that the medals in 2028 will represent more of a memento for turning up rather than a celebration of being the world’s best.

It's no secret that Olympic sailing has had the sword of Damocles hanging over it for decades. An expensive, complicated sport that still isn’t as inclusive as the modern age requires has been a hard sell for a long time.