With temperatures reaching 35°C and high humidity in Paris this week, athletes competing in the 2024 Olympic Games are facing a familiar challenge: extreme heat. This comes after numerous competitors suffered the consequences of the heat at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, leading to calls for organizers to prioritize athlete safety in the face of rising temperatures.
France’s meteorological agency, Météo-France, has issued a ‘yellow alert’ weather warning for heatwaves and storms, advising people to be cautious during outdoor activities. The high temperatures are particularly concerning for athletes competing in outdoor events, including beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, the women’s rugby sevens semi-final at the Stade de France, and the BMX freestyle qualifiers at the Place de Concorde.
The heatwave in Paris coincides with a period of unprecedented global temperatures, leading experts to warn that we are entering “truly unchartered territory” in terms of climate change. The city is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, with temperatures having increased by around 3.1°C since the last Olympics held in Paris in 1924.
Organizers are determined to avoid a repeat of the Tokyo Games, where athletes faced severe health risks due to extreme heat and humidity. Météo-France is working closely with organizers, providing real-time weather updates and warnings. Contingency plans have been put in place for various sports and venues, including early event start times for events such as the triathlon and marathon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Organizers have also implemented measures to ensure the comfort and safety of spectators, including installing over 300 extra water fountains and providing shaded areas.
Athletes have been preparing for the heat, with some incorporating temperature and humidity simulations into their training routines. Concerns were raised about the Olympic Village, initially designed without air conditioning, leading to a compromise where teams can purchase and install portable cooling units in their athletes’ rooms at their own expense.
The Olympic Village, which will house approximately 10,000 athletes over the next two weeks, is utilizing a geothermal system to keep room temperatures cooler than outside temperatures. Teams like Japan, the US, Great Britain, Australia, Denmark, Canada, Greece, and Italy have opted to install their own advanced cooling systems in their athletes’ rooms.
While organizers have implemented mitigation measures, the impact of the heatwave on athletes and spectators remains a concern. The success of these measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved will be a key focus as the Games progress.
