We caught up with Technical Official Keith Iwasaki upon his return to BC from the Olympic Games for a Q&A on his experience in Paris.
Congratulations on being a Technical Official at the Paris Olympic Games!
What did your role involve as a TO at the Games?
I was the Chief Run official during the Games. A lot of the role takes place leading up to the race including liaising with the race organizers and coordinating with other race TO Chiefs. One of the most important roles leading up to the race is measuring and remeasuring the run courses (individual and mixed relay) and making the necessary adjustments to them until they are perfect as it was also my responsibility to accompany the NF coaches during their measurement of the course. The Chief Run, along with the Run Assistants, also check the courses for hazards (loose cobbles, gravel, debris etc.) On race day, the run officials are responsible for making sure course changeovers (bike/run cone and barrier movements), in coordination with the bike officials, occurred at the right time and, of course, observing and reporting any potential rule violations on the run course.
What were some highlights from your time at the Olympics (event based or non-event based)?
The biggest highlight (probably for all of the officials…or anyone directly involved in the race) was the successful execution of all three races. Other highlights for me were being in and around some of the most iconic structures in France; from having some of our meetings in the Grand Palais to cycling on the Champs-Elysees and walking across the Pont Alexandre III, it was all pretty memorable. I think one of the other highlights of going to a Games like this is having the opportunity to meet other officials from around the world – some of whom I’ve meet and worked with before and many for the first time.
The water quality was a big factor leading up to the Olympics, can you explain a bit of the process for analyzing water quality, and how it unfolded in the days leading up to the race?
Water quality for this race was a very complicated matter with a tonne of variables given this was a moving body of water that was affected by changing weather patterns and, really, best answered by the experts. Having said that, I do know that multiple water samples were taken a minimum of two times a day both at the venue and up stream. There were probably more sets of eyes on this data than there were athletes participating in the race and that the priority for all decisions, whether it was if a swim familiarization should be cancelled or if a race is a go, is athlete health and safety.
The currents in the Seine were also a factor in the events, can you explain how the course was designed with that in mind?
Flow rates vary both at different points along the river, as well as across the width of the river, due to a number of factors including the topography of the river bottom, rainfall and amount of runoff entering the river. Current flow was continually monitored at the venue and experts on river currents and their effects on swimmers were brought in for consultation on the matter and, based on their input, the course was modified for each race to minimize the effects.
Where were you stationed during the Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Team Relay events?
I was out on the run course for all three events (funny place for the Chief Run official to be, right?). I was usually tucked in somewhere behind the lead group. We also had one of the assistant run officials trailing the last runner.
Were there any penalties awarded in the Men’s, Women’s, or Team Relay?
Yup. Some people just don’t know how to behave themselves in a big race (well, except on the run course – no penalties there). For the Men’s race I believe there were 10 penalties served for various offences, for the Women’s race I think there were 6 penalties served and I don’t recall how many were in the mixed relay.
The photo finish for the Mixed Team Relay was incredibly close, with Germany crossing the line just ahead of USA and Great Britain. Can you provide some insights into the equipment and process used to decide the final placings?
For the big races there is always a photo finish camera set up at the finish line. The camera used in Paris was capable of capturing something like 40, 000 frames per second. The camera is focused on a white tape laid across the width of the finish chute. When two (or more) athletes cross the finish line at approximately the same time the officials are able to look at the images which will allow them to determine who exactly crossed the line first. The final call is made by the Head Referee (apparently this was the most important call of his career as an official).
What is something from the Olympics that you would like to see more of at the local BC events (officiating or event operations)?
Love to see Olympic level funding at BC events 
and I have to say the crowds were sensational (15 to 20 people deep in some areas); if we could get that kind of support it would be awesome! Seriously though, that’s a tough question – a lot of what you have at the Olympics isn’t necessarily transferable to a local BC event for either practical or cost related reasons. Actually, something I’d like to see more of are Olympic style mixed team relays – I think that would be very exciting for both the athletes and spectators.
and I have to say the crowds were sensational (15 to 20 people deep in some areas); if we could get that kind of support it would be awesome! Seriously though, that’s a tough question – a lot of what you have at the Olympics isn’t necessarily transferable to a local BC event for either practical or cost related reasons. Actually, something I’d like to see more of are Olympic style mixed team relays – I think that would be very exciting for both the athletes and spectators.
For officials looking to get to the international stage, what are some key processes to make those steps?
Realize it’s not an overnight process – it takes a lot of early, often wet, mornings and late nights to gain the experience, wisdom and insight needed to get there. You have to be willing to take the small jobs as well as the big jobs – better yet, understand that there all no small jobs. Whatever assignments you’re offered, do them to the best of your ability. Get to know all the roles on the field of play (the bigger the race, the more roles). When you make a mistake, and you will, learn from it, but don’t dwell on it. Once you’ve done a number of local races, make sure you look to expand your horizons – go to Provincial Championships, go to Nationals, self-fund to World Triathlon races inside and outside of Canada (Continental Cups, World Cups, etc.).
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience! All the best in the remainder of the season.
