“Novak Djokovic Uses Mobile Air Conditioner and Ice Pack to Beat the Heat at Tokyo 2020 Olympics: What You Need to Know”
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is taking extreme measures to beat the heat at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Djokovic was seen using a mobile air conditioner and ice pack to cool down during his matches at the Ariake Tennis Park in Tokyo, Japan on July 28, 2021.
The extreme heat at the Tokyo Olympics has raised concerns about the upcoming Olympics in Paris in 2024. A new report titled “Rings of Fire: Heat Risks at the 2024 Paris Olympics” warns that the Paris Olympics could be the hottest on record, with athletes facing serious health risks due to the heat. The report was compiled by human and applied physiology professor Mike Tipton and Dr. Jo Corbett from the University of Portsmouth, along with former Olympians and climate scientists.
According to the report, the past 12 months have been the hottest on record, with human-driven climate change leading to record-breaking temperatures across the globe. The Paris Olympics are scheduled during the hottest two months of the year in Paris, raising concerns about the health and safety of athletes, officials, and spectators.
Lord Sebastian Coe, a four-time Olympic medallist and president of World Athletics, emphasized the need for heightened awareness and research into the impact of climate change on sports. The report highlights the deadly 2003 heat wave in France, where more than 14,000 people perished, and calls for action to address the risks posed by extreme heat.
Athletes like Djokovic are already feeling the effects of the extreme heat, with temperatures above 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity making the Tokyo Olympics the “hottest in history.” Djokovic’s use of a mobile air conditioner and ice pack underscores the challenges athletes face in competing in such conditions.
The report recommends five strategies for sporting authorities to help athletes cope with extreme heat, including scheduling events wisely, empowering athletes to discuss climate change, providing cooling plans and better rehydration, and reassessing the sponsorship of fossil fuels in sports.
As the climate crisis continues to heat up, the safety and well-being of athletes must be prioritized. The report emphasizes the importance of listening to athletes and taking action to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat in sports. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, it is crucial for sporting authorities to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures and ensure the safety of all participants.