Olympics 2024: Athletes at risk as Paris likely to experience record-breaking heat during Summer Games
Olympics 2024: Athletes at risk as Paris likley to experience record-breaking heat during Summer Games
The health of the athletes could be at risk during the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris as the French capital could witness extreme heatwaves. Set to begin on 26 July 2024, it is reported that temperatures during the Paris Games could be more than 3 degree Celsius than the average, which could result in adverse effects on the health of athletes. European summer will be at its peak when the Olympic Games and the Paralympics Games take place in July and August.
Paris to break heat record?
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak), experienced the hottest games so far in history. However, according to a report by CBC, Paris could break that record as conditions will be hotter in Europe in July and August. Heat waves have been increasing in frequency and intensity in Paris. The "urban heat island effect," whereby urban areas tend to be warmer than rural areas, has only exacerbated the issue in the Paris region.
In 2019, Paris experienced its hottest summer with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius. In recent years, the frequency of heatwaves has increased which has led to athletes re-thinking their participation in the Olympics. While there have been no particular cases of athletes withdrawing due to heatwaves, the authorities could be at a stretch as a huge number of international audiences will be in Paris for the Olympics.
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The report further adds thatin 2023, France recorded more than 5000 deaths due to the scorching heat. If the trend continues this year, fans could turn their backs on the Paris Olympics as health safety will be the first preference.
The Tokyo Olympics had athletes vomiting and even fainting at the finish line with almost one in every 100 athletes suffering from a heat-related illness. The rise in not only temperatures but also in humidity adds to the risk of heat stroke.
Plans have been put forth by organisers to schedule outdoor events early morning or eveningwhenever possible.There are contingency plans in place to reschedule events depending on heat and humidity levels each day.
