"Back-of-the-envelope" wind and altitude correction for 100 metre sprint times

Abstract

A simple algebraic expression is presented to correct men's and women's 100 metre sprint times for ambient wind and altitude effects. The simplified formula is derived from a more complicated equation of motion used to model the athlete's velocity as a function of time (the velocity curve). This method predicts adjustments to 0-wind and 0-altitude equivalents, which are in excellent agreement to other estimates presented in the literature. The expression is easily programmable on any computer, and could conveniently be used by coaches, meet directors, or the media to assess the performance of athletes and the quality of a race immediately following the event.