PARIS: A report recently published has warmed the dangers posed by extreme temperatures at the Paris Olympics and said that “intense heat at the Paris Olympics during July-August 2024 could lead to competitors collapsing during the Games.”
The report, titled “Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics,” was compiled to assist athletes.
Researchers consulted with scientists and athletes while compiling the report. “The upcoming Paris Olympics face significant risks from extreme heat, which has increasingly undermined the health and enjoyment of sporting events since the Tokyo Olympics,” the report stated. It urged organizers to implement improved rehydration and cooling plans for athletes and fans to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the River Seine, which will host a boat parade during the opening ceremony as well as triathlon and marathon swimming events. Heavy rain has caused strong currents and degraded water quality.
The Paris Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, typically the warmest months in the French capital. Paris has experienced a series of record heatwaves in recent years, with over 5,000 deaths in France last summer when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to public health data.
The report further warned that the Olympics will take place during high summer means the threat of a devastating hot spell is very real. British men’s rugby sevens player Jamie Farndale expressed concern, stating, “We push ourselves to our limits, and if we have to do so in unsafe conditions, athletes won’t hold back.”
Organizers of the Paris Olympics have built flexibility into their schedules, allowing some events, such as the marathon or triathlon, to be shifted to avoid the peak midday heat.
