The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a rollercoaster of weather conditions. The opening ceremony was drenched by a heavy downpour, while the days that followed have seen extreme heat. Athletes, spectators, and even organizers are struggling to cope with the unpredictable climate.
The thermometer may have read 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but on the beach volleyball court, with the blinding white sand reflecting the sun’s rays, it felt much hotter. Players sought refuge during breaks, using towels to dry off and gulping down water. Athletes like Carolina Solberg Salgado described the intense heat as “really, really hot”, expressing discomfort and the need to focus on the game despite the challenging conditions.
The impact of the heat wasn’t limited to the athletes. Spectators also felt the burn. One resourceful venue worker brought a rubber hose to the stands, spraying fans with a refreshing blast of water. The grateful recipients, like Sean McKinnon, even found humor in the situation, noting that while the spray was directed at a fan’s face, she seemed to appreciate the sudden cool relief.
Climate Change and the Future of Sports
The extreme weather experienced in Paris is not just an anomaly but a symptom of a growing trend. Experts warn that climate change is posing an existential threat to the future of sports.
Scientists are increasingly concerned about the impact of rising global temperatures on both winter and summer sports. Winter athletes are facing a shortage of snow, jeopardizing events like downhill skiing, biathlons, and halfpipe competitions. A study in 2022 indicated that all but one of the previous 21 Winter Olympics cities could become too warm to reliably host these events by the end of the century.
Summer athletes, on the other hand, are confronted with scorching heat, leading to health risks like cramping, vomiting, and even heat stroke. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which experts labeled the warmest in history, saw athletes battling extreme temperatures and humidity. The women’s marathon was rescheduled for the cooler morning hours, and athletes in shorter races adjusted their warm-up routines to allow for adequate cooling down before competition.
The Paris Olympics, with their unpredictable weather patterns, are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.
Navigating the Heat: Athlete Strategies and Organizer Adjustments
Athletes are not climate experts, but they are experiencing firsthand the challenges of a changing climate. They are adapting to these new realities, using a variety of strategies to cope with the extreme conditions. Some are training in hot weather, while others are implementing on-the-spot adjustments.
During a qualifying round for men’s skateboarding, American star Jagger Eaton, who admitted to feeling “smoked” from the heat, used a strategy of keeping two towels at hand and frequently hydrating. Likewise, Hannah Roberts, a BMX rider, used an ice bath after her event.
While athletes are demonstrating resilience and adaptability, organizers are also being forced to consider the impact of climate change on future events.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar provided a compelling example of how organizers can adjust to the changing climate. The tournament was moved from summertime to November and December to avoid the sweltering heat. Other solutions, such as scheduling events earlier in the day, shortening matches, and adding more water breaks, are also being considered.
The Future of Sports: A Call for Action
The current situation highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change. Sports organizations and event organizers have a crucial role to play. They must adopt sustainable practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and advocate for policies that mitigate climate change.
Athletes are not just competing in the Olympics; they are also providing a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges we face as a planet. Their experiences are a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, impacting all aspects of our lives, including the sports we love.
