The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are facing unprecedented heat risks, with forecasts indicating potentially dangerous conditions for athletes. The report ‘Rings of Fire’ highlights the escalating heat and humidity, posing threats of extreme health hazards and performance challenges.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are forecasted to be the hottest on record, posing significant risks to athletes. The “Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics” report highlights the intensifying heat and humidity that could lead to athletes collapsing or potentially dying.
Paris has warmed by 1.8°C since 1924, with increased hot and scorching days. A similar bout of extreme heat led to over 14,000 deaths in the French heatwave of 2003. Meteorologists predict a 70% chance of hotter-than-usual conditions from May to July 2024.
Athletes, including Tokyo 2021 competitors, expressed concerns about heat-related illnesses. Rhydian Cowley, an Australian racewalker, and Kelsey-Lee Barber, an Australian javelin thrower, voiced worries about the extreme heat threatening athletes’ lives. Samuel Mattis, a US discus thrower, and Jamie Farndale, a UK rugby player, emphasized the detrimental impact of high temperatures on performance and safety.
The International Olympic Committee acknowledges the increasing threat of heat and proposes mitigation measures. With global temperatures rising, climate change is seen as an existential threat to the future of summer sports events.
