World Athletics Championships: High Temperatures in Tokyo Raise Concerns for Athletes’ Performance and Health

World Athletics is implementing strict heat rules to protect athletes as global temperatures rise, impacting events like the Tokyo Championships. Learn about the WBGT scale and safety measures.">

September 12, 2025

Tokyo – World Athletics is preparing to enforce stringent heat regulations at upcoming competitions, including the championships in Tokyo, as global warming increasingly threatens athlete safety. The governing body is prioritizing competitor wellbeing amidst forecasts for possibly risky conditions.

Understanding the heat Risk

To safeguard participants, World Athletics employs a complete heat rule system triggered when temperatures escalate beyond safe thresholds. Central to this system is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a metric designed to assess the total heat stress experienced by the body. This measurement doesn’t simply consider air temperature but also accounts for humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and cloud cover.

According to established guidelines, a warning is issued when the WBGT reaches 25 degrees Celsius. More severe cautions are triggered at 28 degrees Celsius. Temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are deemed critically dangerous for athletic competition. Recent data from the world meteorological Organization indicates that the last decade has been the warmest on record, amplifying these concerns for outdoor sports.

Proactive Measures to Mitigate Heat

Organizers are increasingly scheduling athletics events during the cooler parts of the day – mornings or evenings – to minimize heat exposure. This strategic timing aims to create a safer habitat for athletes during demanding performances. Health professionals recommend that distance races ideally occur when temperatures are below 18 degrees Celsius, a benchmark organizers strive to meet.

Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, acknowledged the intensifying “heat challenges” anticipated at the Tokyo championships. he emphasized the need for proactive decisions, stating that sports organizations must take the lead in addressing climate change impacts, particularly in the absence of decisive government action. “Governments have not stepped up to the plate,” Coe stated, “and sport is going to have to take some unilateral judgments and decisions here.”

WBGT Temperature Guidelines at a Glance

WBGT (°C)	Action
Below 25	normal Conditions
25	Warning Issued
28	Severe Warning issued
30+	Dangerous Conditions – Competition at Risk

Did You Know? The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a more accurate indicator of heat stress than air temperature alone as it factors in how effectively the body can cool itself through perspiration.

Pro Tip: Athletes and spectators should stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and seek shade whenever possible during hot weather events.

The emphasis on athlete welfare reflects a growing awareness within the sporting world regarding the long-term effects of climate change. This commitment necessitates a forward-thinking approach to event planning and a willingness to adapt to evolving environmental conditions.

Long-Term Implications of Climate Change on Athletics

The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves pose a meaningful threat to the future of outdoor athletics. As global temperatures continue to rise, organizers may need to consider more radical measures, such as relocating events to cooler regions or implementing stricter competition schedules. The discussion surrounding sustainable sporting practices is becoming increasingly urgent, pushing organizations to reduce their carbon footprint and advocate for climate action.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heat and Athletics

• What is the WBGT scale? The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature scale is a measure of heat stress that considers temperature,humidity,wind speed,sun angle,and cloud cover.
• What temperature is considered dangerous for athletes? A WBGT of 30 degrees Celsius or higher is considered dangerous for athletic competition.
• How is World Athletics addressing the issue of heat? World Athletics is implementing heat rules, scheduling events during cooler times, and advocating for climate action.
• what can athletes do to protect themselves from the heat? Athletes should stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and seek shade when possible.
• Is climate change impacting sporting events? Yes, climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, impacting the safety and viability of outdoor sporting events.

What steps do you believe sports organizations should take to further address the challenges posed by climate change? Do you think stricter regulations are necessary to protect athletes, even if it means altering traditional competition schedules?

what specific physiological effects contribute to cognitive impairment in athletes competing in extreme heat?

the Heat is On: Tokyo’s Impact on Athletic Competition

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are unfolding under a meaningful challenge: exceptionally high temperatures. Concerns are mounting regarding the impact of this extreme heat on athlete performance, health, and overall safety. This isn’t a new issue for summer sporting events, but the intensity and prolonged nature of the heatwave gripping Tokyo are prompting organizers and medical teams to implement stringent measures. The focus is on mitigating risks associated with heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration during these elite athletic competitions.

Understanding the Physiological Strain

High temperatures place immense stress on the human body, particularly during strenuous physical activity. Athletes competing in events like marathon running, steeplechase, and even shorter sprints are especially vulnerable. Hear’s a breakdown of the physiological challenges:

* Increased Core body Temperature: Intense exercise generates heat. In hot environments,the body struggles to dissipate this heat effectively,leading to a rapid rise in core temperature.

* Dehydration: Sweating is the body’s primary cooling mechanism. However, excessive sweating leads to fluid loss and dehydration, impairing performance and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Electrolyte imbalance further exacerbates this issue.

* Cardiovascular Strain: the heart works harder to pump blood to the skin for cooling, diverting blood flow away from working muscles. This increases heart rate and blood pressure, possibly leading to cardiovascular complications.

* Cognitive Impairment: heat stress can affect cognitive function, impacting decision-making, coordination, and reaction time – crucial elements in competitive athletics.

Mitigation Strategies Employed by Organizers

World Athletics and local organizers are implementing a multi-faceted approach to protect athletes. These strategies include:

1. Adjusted Event Schedules: Marathon and race walking events have been rescheduled to earlier start times (typically 6:00 AM JST) to avoid the peak heat of the day. This is a common practice in summer Olympics and other major sporting events held in hot climates.
2. Cooling Stations: Numerous cooling stations are strategically placed along race courses and within the stadium, providing athletes with access to cool water, ice, and misting fans.
3. Medical Support: Increased medical personnel are on standby, equipped to rapidly diagnose and treat heat-related illnesses. Advanced cooling techniques,such as ice baths and intravenous fluids,are readily available.
4. Hydration Protocols: Athletes are strongly encouraged to adhere to strict hydration protocols, consuming fluids before, during, and after events. Sports drinks containing electrolytes are also recommended.
5. Heat Acclimatization Guidance: Teams were advised to arrive in Tokyo well in advance of the championships to allow athletes time to acclimatize to the heat. Heat adaptation involves physiological changes that improve the body’s ability to cope with heat stress.

Real-World Examples & Past Incidents

The dangers of competing in extreme heat are well-documented.The 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, faced similar criticism due to scorching temperatures. Several athletes collapsed during the marathon, highlighting the severity of the risk.

* Doha 2019 Marathon: The women’s marathon in Doha saw a significant number of athletes dropping out due to the heat, with several requiring medical attention.This prompted widespread calls for greater consideration of athlete safety when selecting host cities.

* 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Delayed to 2021): While held with some heat mitigation strategies, the Olympics still saw athletes struggle with the conditions, particularly in endurance events.

These incidents underscore the importance of proactive measures and a willingness to adjust schedules when necesary.

Athlete perspectives: Coping with the Heat

Athletes are employing various strategies to manage the heat. these include:

* Pre-Cooling: Using ice vests, cold water immersion, or cooling towels before events to lower core body temperature.

* Strategic Pacing: Adjusting race pace to conserve energy and reduce heat production.

* Clothing Choices: Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for efficient evaporation of sweat.

* mental Preparation: Developing mental strategies to cope with the discomfort and fatigue associated with heat stress.

The Future of athletics in a Warming World

The challenges faced in Tokyo are a stark reminder of the broader impact of climate change on sports. As global temperatures continue to rise, organizers will need to adapt and innovate to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes.

* Host City Selection: More rigorous assessments of climate conditions will be crucial when selecting host cities for future championships.

* Technological Innovations: Growth of advanced cooling technologies and wearable sensors to monitor athletes’ physiological status in real-time.

* Rule Modifications: Potential adjustments to competition rules, such as allowing for more frequent breaks or modifying event formats.

* enduring Practices: Implementing environmentally sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint of sporting events.

benefits of Prioritizing Athlete Health in Extreme heat

Investing in athlete safety during extreme heat isn’t just a moral imperative; it also benefits the sport as a whole:

* Enhanced Performance: