Hmm. We could send our best team for the expected conditions, as you worry the Chinese will. That seems better than introducing discriminatory rules that further weaken the class and consequently risk its Olympic status. That's more important to me that protecting the medal chances of the current top ranked Olympic sailors.

A USA Olympic shot putter once told me that the frustrating and compelling thing about the Olympics is that any of several shot putters could go out there and win the Gold if they happen to have a really good day when others don't.

The worst case in Qingdao is that the best sailors for the conditions take home medals! Only phenomenal light air sailors will win.

The Olympics (or any championship event) are not coronations of the top ranked sailors: they rewards the winners of the individual event. They are unpredictable, and stressful, and everyone has a chance. That's what makes the award so interesting and covetted and makes so many work so hard for the chance to try to win. It's also why no one gets excited about or makes big trophies for the worlds rankings: they are too abstract, statistical, political, and impersonal.