Summer Olympics Face Growing Challenges from Rising Temperatures In France

At the Paris Olympics 2024, Athletes are competing against the toughest opponents in the world, the increasingly extreme heat. Rain soaked the opening ceremony. However, France and much of Europe have recorded extensive heat waves.

Rising Temperatures A Major Concern

The high temperatures have been frustrating for the athletes. The competitions began with more heat as temperatures increased up to 95 degrees at outdoor venues.  Most of the athletes complained about the inadequacy of cooling where they stayed while some of them brought their own ACs. 

Fortunately, none of the athletes have passed out at the Paris games so far. But as 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest on record, some current and former competitors are warning that the warming planet is more fundamentally challenging to the Summer Olympics.

“Global Temperatures Continue To Rise”

A report published ahead by the British Association For Sustainable Sport states “For athletes, from smaller performance-impacting issues like sleep disruption and last-minute changes to event timings to exacerbated health impacts and heat-related stress and injury, the consequences can be varied and wide-ranging,” Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field sports, wrote. 

As “global temperatures continue to rise, climate change should increasingly be viewed as an existential threat to sport.” Coe added

Past Events Heat Records 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, were considered at the time to be the hottest Olympics in history, with temperatures rising up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Many athletes some tennis players and archers suffered heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  According to the reports, At least 110 athletes reported suffering from heat-related illnesses at the Tokyo Olympic Games. At Least the organizers of the Paris Olympics seem to have learned important lessons in managing heat from past events. 

According to past events Outside of the Olympics, there have been several sporting tournaments and practice sessions where athletes have passed out due to extreme heat. 

High-rising heat is not something athletes go through, though it often can’t be easily avoided for outdoor sports. It’s making the organizers of major events like the Olympics take more precautions to protect athletes and their health. These temperatures have led to deaths also. 

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