In 1998 this pigeon was entered four times into speed flights and won one prize in the middle of the list. That doesn't say much because she may have met with an accident on her way home, but four entries with one mediocre prize despite a superb body - that speaks for itself. The weight of the pigeon is a big factor in selection. When I look at a pigeon, I already have an idea of its weight. If the pigeon is heaver than I thought, it is eliminated without a reprieve.
Gravity is a major handicap.
I would rather see pigeons that feel lighter than one would think. To be sure, if two equal pigeons have the same qualities, you will only find the lighter one in my loft. During a release a heavy pigeon must keep its excess weight in the air. That requires energy and does not get the pigeon into the prizes. It must be compared to other sports in which speed counts.