How extreme heat casts a shadow on the Paris Olympics

livemint.com:

Rings Of Fire: Heat Risks At The 2024 Paris Olympics warns thatFrance has witnessed several heat waves since the turn of the century, with 14,000 people dying during a heatwave in 2003, 1,435 deaths in 2019, with Paris registering a record temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius. Nearly 5,000 people died due to intense heat in 2023.

The report also states that summer months have gotten warmer since 1924 (when Paris last hosted the Olympics), with thisAugust’s average temperatures set be to 2.7degreesCelsius higher than a century earlier. “The fact that the Olympics will take place during high summer means that the threat of a devastating hot spell is a very real one," notes the report.

Doctors and fitness professionals advise people to stick to lighter workouts, modify their exercise regimen and timings and stick to indoor sessions during a heatwave. However, elite athletes headed to the Olympics do not have this luxury.

High heat impairs physical performance, particularly when the exposure is prolonged and sustained high work rates are required. Competing in hot and humid conditions can result in compromised cardiovascular and muscle function, discomfort, cognitive impairment, dehydration and sleep troubles.

The report warns that athletes, officials and even spectators are likely to be affected: “Even if the health of those involved is not threatened (and it is quite possible that it will be), the overall experience will be diminished by uncomfortable conditions for spectators, and impaired performance by athletes and officials. The expectations of all involved in some sporting events will need to be adjusted." The Tokyo Olympics were the hottest summer games on record and several athletes struggled as temperatures soared.