Is Tokyo Too Hot for the World Athletics Championships?

Japan is currently facing unprecedented heat, marking its hottest summer on record since 1898. As the country prepares for the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set in Tokyo from 13-21 September, temperatures are predicted to stay significantly high, raising concerns about athlete safety and performance. With average temperatures already 2.36°C above normal and expected to surpass 30°C during the event, adjustments have been made to the schedule to protect the competitors.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Japan's summer heat is at a record high, with temperatures exceeding 30°C expected during the World Athletics Championships.
• To ensure athlete safety, events will start 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled.
• The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) scale will be used to monitor heat stress during competitions.
• World Athletics is prioritising athlete welfare, reflecting rising concerns over climate change and its impact on sports.
• Comparisons are being drawn to the extreme conditions faced during the 2019 Championships in Doha.

Understanding the Current Heatwave in Japan

This summer has seen Japan experience temperatures that are alarmingly high, raising concerns not just for the general populace but significantly for athletes who will compete in the upcoming World Athletics Championships. The average temperature has risen by 2.36°C above the norm, and with forecasts predicting a sustained heatwave throughout the championship period, the environment will pose considerable challenges.

Forecasted Conditions During the Championships

The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will take place in mid-September, when temperatures are typically easing into the autumn season. However, forecasts indicate that the opening day will see temperatures reaching 32°C, particularly during the men's and women's 35km race walk. In response to the extreme heat, events on the first three days will start 30 minutes earlier than planned to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.

The Heat Adaptation Measures in Place

World Athletics has prioritised athlete safety in light of the exceptional heat conditions expected. The organisation has established a heat rule that can be enacted when temperatures rise to dangerous levels. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) scale will be employed to assess heat stress in direct sunlight, taking into account various weather factors such as humidity and wind speed.

Understanding the WBGT Scale

The WBGT is a critical tool for ensuring athlete safety during competitions. It measures environmental conditions that contribute to heat stress and helps determine when precautions should be taken. Here’s how the scale works:

• A warning is issued when temperatures hit 25°C.
• A severe warning is issued at 28°C, indicating potentially hazardous conditions.
• Events are considered dangerous if temperatures reach 30°C or higher.

As a precaution, athletics events typically occur during cooler times of the day, such as early mornings or evenings, to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Historical Context: Previous Events’ Heat Challenges

Comparisons are being drawn between the upcoming championships and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where extreme heat forced the relocation of marathon and race walk events to Sapporo, a cooler venue. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes competing in high-temperature settings. During the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, held in late September to avoid heat, similar issues arose, necessitating the use of large air conditioning units and medical staff to monitor conditions. Notably, 28 runners dropped out of the women’s marathon due to the oppressive heat.

Adaptations in Scheduling and Venue

In light of the anticipated heat challenges in Tokyo, World Athletics has adjusted the schedule to ensure athlete safety. Events such as the women's marathon on 14 September and the men’s marathon on 15 September will commence at 07:30 local time (23:30 BST), reflecting a commitment to athlete welfare amidst rising temperatures. This decision underscores an increasing trend in adapting event schedules to address climate-related risks.

World Athletics' Commitment to Athlete Welfare

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has openly acknowledged the "heat challenges" expected during the championships, attributing some responsibility to sports leaders to ensure athlete safety in the face of climate change. He lamented the lack of substantial government action to combat climate issues, stating that sports organisations must take proactive measures to protect their athletes. Coe’s comments highlight the evolving responsibility of sports governing bodies to prioritise health and safety amidst changing environmental conditions.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Championships

As the championships draw closer, athletes and organisers are preparing for the expected heat. With conditions forecasted to feel like the mid to high 40s due to humidity, competitors will need to adapt their strategies. Training in similar conditions may help prepare athletes for the reality of competing in Tokyo.

The Long-Term Impact of Climate Change on Sports

The extreme weather conditions observed during the upcoming World Athletics Championships are not merely a one-off occurrence; they signify a broader trend influenced by climate change. While sporting events have historically been scheduled based on seasonal weather patterns, the increasing unpredictability of climate conditions may necessitate more frequent adjustments. The conversation around athlete welfare and climate action is expected to intensify as more events face similar challenges.

Potential Solutions and Future Considerations

In response to the growing frequency of extreme weather events, sports bodies may need to explore various solutions, including:

• Implementing flexible scheduling to adapt to changing weather patterns.
• Utilising technology to monitor and predict environmental conditions more accurately.
• Collaborating with climate scientists to understand long-term impacts on event planning.

These measures could help ensure that sports remain accessible and safe for athletes and spectators alike, even as climate conditions evolve.

Conclusion

The upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will serve as a crucial test for both athletes and organisers, with extreme heat posing significant challenges. As the world of sports grapples with the realities of climate change, the decisions made in Tokyo could set a precedent for future events, prioritising not only competitive integrity but also athlete welfare. The need for proactive measures in event planning has never been more pressing, raising questions about how sports organisations will adapt to an increasingly unpredictable climate.

As the championships approach, the focus remains on athlete safety and performance. Can sports adapt quickly enough to face the challenges posed by climate change? #AthleteSafety #ClimateChange #WorldAthletics2025

FAQs

What is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) scale?

The WBGT scale measures heat stress in direct sunlight, factoring in temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. It helps determine when conditions are safe for athletes.

Why are events starting earlier during the championships?

To safeguard athlete health amidst extreme heat, World Athletics has scheduled events to start 30 minutes earlier than originally planned, reducing exposure to high temperatures.

What challenges did athletes face in previous championships?

During the 2019 World Championships in Doha, athletes faced severe heat, resulting in numerous dropouts. Air conditioning was used in venues, and events were held at night to mitigate heat effects.

How does climate change affect sports events?

Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, increasing the likelihood of extreme temperatures. This necessitates adjustments in scheduling and athlete preparation for future sporting events.

What precautions are in place for athlete safety during the championships?

World Athletics has implemented a heat rule that uses the WBGT scale to monitor conditions. Events will be rescheduled if temperatures reach dangerous levels, ensuring athlete safety is prioritised.