Long, curly hair and loose clothing could cost athletes gold medal – research

Long curly hair could prove an impediment in the 100 metres and long jump, research has suggested. Picture: Alamy/PA

Long, curly hair and loose clothing can significantly reduce the performance of athletes taking part in long jump and 100-metre sprints, research has found.

In both events, the difference is enough to lose out on a gold medal, according to a research team including aerospace engineers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.