World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has delivered a powerful message to future Olympic hosts, insisting they must now demonstrate a robust plan to combat extreme heat after the challenging conditions faced by athletes at the Tokyo Games.
Reflecting on the Tokyo Olympics, where soaring temperatures and intense humidity pushed competitors to their absolute limits, Lord Coe emphasised that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality for global sport. The event served as a stark wake-up call for international sporting bodies.
A New Prerequisite for Host Cities
"I think it will become increasingly difficult to just go to a city and expect them to have an average temperature that is going to be suitable for track and field," stated Coe. He argued that the bidding process must now evolve, with potential hosts required to present detailed environmental data and mitigation strategies.
This shift in perspective marks a significant departure from tradition. The focus is moving beyond iconic stadiums and infrastructure to include hard evidence of a host city's ability to provide safe competitive conditions in an era of global warming.
Tokyo as a Climate Crucible
The Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021, became an unintended case study. Athletes across various sports, particularly those in endurance events, struggled with the oppressive climate. The marathon was notably relocated to Sapporo in an effort to find cooler conditions, yet challenges remained.
Lord Coe, a double Olympic 1500m gold medallist himself, expressed deep sympathy for the competitors. He highlighted that the primary duty of sporting organisations is to ensure athlete welfare, which is now inextricably linked to environmental considerations.
The Road to Future Games
With Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, Lord Coe's comments place immediate pressure on organisers. While Parisian summers can be warm and LA is known for its heat, both cities will be expected to showcase advanced plans for cooling technologies, adjusted scheduling, and other adaptive measures.
This new paradigm, driven by the experience in Japan, suggests that the legacy of the Tokyo Olympics will be measured not only in medals and memories but also in its role as a catalyst for a more climate-conscious approach to hosting the world's biggest sporting event.
