The 2021 Tokyo Olympics were the hottest in history, but fears have been mounting that Paris could surpass that record. To combat the potential heatwave, athletes have turned to high-tech training techniques and innovative cooling solutions.
Although it may be cooler than initially feared, Paris is still experiencing high temperatures with high humidity. People across the city are employing various methods to stay cool, from swimming to indulging in ice creams and beer. As athletes arrive in Paris, they face the tough challenge of maintaining peak fitness amid the heat.
In line with Paris' clean, green goals, there is no air conditioning in athletes' rooms. Instead, they rely on a cooling floor system and fans.
New Zealand rugby sevens player Andrew Knewstubb said he blasts his room fan 24/7 to help cool down.
Teammate Moses Leo added that Team New Zealand have provided bigger fans for athletes.
"Yeah, the NZ house has really hooked it up for us so they've chucked some AC units and we've got fans in our room, so some big fans. Because originally our team gave us these little square fans and I was like, 'Hmm, that's probably not going to work'. But we've got some fans."
Team NZ is pulling out all the stops to beat the heat and stay competitive, from high-tech preparation and recovery spaces in the village, to using good old slushy machines.
High-performance physiologist Anna Skipper said heat "can have a range of impacts on the body, such as increased sweat rate, raised heart rate, and core temperature".
"If these reach extreme levels, they can inhibit performance and affect cognitive functions, which is crucial in sports like sailing where fast decision-making is needed."
Preparations for the heat started well before the athletes arrived in Paris, with many training in heat chambers.
Skipper said athletes who struggle in higher temperatures prepare "in an individualised way".
"They spend more time in the heat chamber, slowly and gradually acclimating to the heat."
Olympic wind foiler Veerle Ten Have, who will be making her debut in the IQFoil class, has been using the heat chamber for months as she'll be on the water exposed to the hot temperatures for hours at a time.
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"We're on the water, so we need to be well-prepared for the heat, ensuring we don't overheat and stay hydrated. Overheating or dehydration can severely affect our performance," she said.
Olympic officials are also taking proactive steps to protect athletes by adjusting schedules and ensuring access to cooling facilities.
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