Windassisted

Windassisted refers to athletic performances in which wind provides a measurable tailwind that likely enhances the athlete’s performance, sufficient to exceed the legal limit for record purposes. In outdoor track and field, the standard threshold for record eligibility is a tailwind not exceeding plus two point zero meters per second ( +2.0 m/s ). When wind exceeds this limit, a result is described as wind-assisted or wind-aided, and it cannot be used to set or break world or official event records. However, such performances may still count for time or distance rankings at the meet and are usually recorded with the accompanying wind measurement.

Measurement and labeling are handled by a wind gauge placed near the competition area, typically near the finish line for sprints and near the landing zone for jumps. The official result includes the wind reading, and if the value is above +2.0 m/s, the mark is labeled wind-assisted. This labeling helps distinguish performances influenced by wind from those achieved under legal conditions.

Scope and limitations vary by event. Wind-assisted classifications most commonly apply to outdoor sprint events (for example, 100 m, 200 m) and horizontal jumps (long jump, triple jump). For most throwing events, wind readings may be recorded, but there is generally no comparable limit for record eligibility, so wind effects are treated differently than in running or jumping events.

In summary, windassisted captures performances aided by tailwind beyond the legal limit, affecting the status of records while still contributing to overall performance data.