Heat wave in Paris

As the Paris Olympics approach, athletes face the challenge of performing in potentially record-breaking heat, with temperatures exceeding 80º Fahrenheit expected throughout the Games. Paris has warmed significantly since it last hosted the Olympics, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses. While many wealthy delegations brought air conditioning units, countries like Thailand are left wishing for similar resources, as athletes express discomfort in non-air-conditioned facilities. Strategies for heat acclimatization have become crucial, with some athletes employing methods like ice baths to lower core temperatures before events. The rising temperatures echo the extreme conditions of previous Olympics, with one in 100 athletes suffering heat-related ailments in Tokyo. As the Games open on July 26, organizers emphasize environmentally friendly cooling methods, though critics question their adequacy against the backdrop of climate change.