Welcome to Tokyo 2020, where the competition is fierce and the heat is even fiercer! The summer games are in full swing, but athletes are facing a formidable opponent: the scorching temperatures of Tokyo. This year’s Olympics could become infamous for something the organizers desperately want to avoid: a record number of heatstroke cases.
A “Worst-Case Scenario” For Athletes
Before the pandemic, heatstroke was a major concern for athletes participating in the Tokyo Games. However, the oppressive humidity has exacerbated the situation, making the heat feel even more intense. Professor Makoto Yokohari, an expert in environmental and urban planning, has declared that “a Tokyo summer is the worst in the history of the Olympics” when humidity is factored in.
Imagine temperatures soaring above 90 degrees, combined with humidity that makes it feel like a triple-digit inferno. It’s a recipe for disaster, and the alarming number of hospitalizations for heatstroke during the past week is a stark reminder of the danger. Over 8,000 people have been hospitalized since July 19th, a sobering testament to the impact of the extreme heat.
Athletes Face the Heat
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has implemented various measures to mitigate the heat, providing water and shade at venues. But for some athletes, the sweltering conditions are simply too much to bear. Russian archer Svetlana Gomboeva was treated for heat exhaustion during a match, while Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev dramatically expressed his struggle with the heat, stating that he felt like he “couldn’t breathe properly.” Spain’s Paula Badosa was forced to retire from a match due to heatstroke, highlighting the immense strain the heat is placing on athletes.
“Quitting is Courage”: Experts Warn of Heatstroke Dangers
The heatstroke risk is real, and experts like Natsue Koikawa, a former professional runner and professor, are emphasizing the importance of taking precautions. Koikawa tragically collapsed during a 1995 marathon and nearly lost her life, underscoring the severity of heatstroke.
Koikawa, now a track coach and researcher, acknowledges the difficult position athletes face. “Quitting is the best way to prevent heatstroke,” she advises. It’s a message echoed by many experts, reminding athletes that their health and safety are paramount.
A Question of Timing and the Future of Summer Games
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics were held in October to avoid the summer heat. But in recent decades, the Games have been held in July and August, a decision driven by factors like television viewership and broadcast rights. However, as temperatures continue to rise, the future of summer games in certain locations is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Experts argue that the Tokyo Games should have been postponed until the fall. They also warn that climate change poses a significant threat to future Olympic Games. A study published in The Lancet suggests that by 2085, most cities could be too hot to host the Summer Olympics due to rising temperatures.
The heatwave in Tokyo serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the importance of adapting to a warming planet. The future of the summer Olympics may depend on a shift in how we approach the Games, considering environmental factors and prioritizing the health and safety of athletes.
