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Extreme heat poses danger to athletes at Paris Olympics

Forecasts predict the Paris Olympics could experience record-breaking heat, threatening athlete safety.

Ben Doherty reports for The Guardian.

In short:

A report, Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics, warns of extreme heat risks for athletes, highlighting the increased dangers since the Tokyo 2021 games.
Paris has warmed by 1.8°C since 1924, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, risking athletes' health and performance.
The International Olympic Committee acknowledges the growing threat of extreme heat, proposing measures to protect athletes.

Key quote:

"We now know the Paris Games have the potential to surpass [Tokyo’s heat record]."

— Emma Pocock, chief executive of FrontRunners

Why this matters:

Extreme heat poses severe health risks to athletes, from heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke. As global temperatures rise, the sustainability of outdoor sports events is increasingly jeopardized.

www.theguardian.com

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