Irish sailing duo Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove have seen their Olympic medal hopes take a massive hit after they were disqualified from two races at the games due to the use of illegal equipment.
The pair had sat in seventh position in the 49er class after six races in the event, leaving them in with a shot at a medal with six more races still remaining on the schedule.
However, it would emerge that the trapeze harness worn by the crew in races five and six weighed more than the required 2kg, resulting in disqualification from both races. They have had their points wiped from those races as a result, moving down to 13th place in the overall standings.
Olympic sailing applies very strict weight limits on the equipment crews are permitted to use. The Irish pair's trapeze harness weighed in at 2.09kg, 90 grams over the limit.
The Brazilian pair in the event were also disqualified from the same races for a similar offence.
Speaking on RTÉ as news of the infringement broke, Maurice O'Connell explained exactly what had gone wrong for Waddilove and Dickson.
A harness that allegedly weighs just 90g more than regulations permit may undo all Waddilove and Dickson's good work in the 49er class
Maurice O'Connell explains#olympics #tokyo2020 #RTESport
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They had it weighed directly after sailing by the official measurers - they soak it in water, then lift it out of the water and wait one minute for the water to drain and then they measure it.
It was found to be 90g overweight.
This leaves the pair in a very difficult position ahead of the remaining races in this event having previously been in excellent shape for a medal push.
It may seem like a small infringement, but rules are rules. Unfortunately, Ireland have had to bare the brunt of them on this occasion.
This is a bit of bad news on what has otherwise be an exciting day for our athletes in Tokyo.
SEE ALSO: How Does Scoring Work In Sailing At The Olympics?
