The 2020 Tokyo Olympics could be Dangerously Hot and Humid

While the Winter Olympics just came to a close in PyeongChang, the world will turn its focus to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. But some experts are concerned. Makoto Yokohari, an adviser for the Tokyo Olympics committee, conducted recent research that concluded athletes could be in danger if precautions aren't taken. While Tokyo has hosted the Olympics before, they took place in October when conditions were cooler. Average highs in the heat of the summer hover near the mid-80s F but can rise to the 90s at times. “These will be some of the worst conditions...of marathon running,” Yokohari told The Times. Yokohari and his team went through the exact men's marathon course at the same time of year at the same starting point in the summer of 2016. The course offers little to no shade, which makes it even more dangerous for the runners. But this is not the first time the Olympics have been held at locations where temperatures were not ideal. "I think it is important that Olympic Marathon Trials be held in similar conditions," says Bob Anderson. "Some runners handle heat and humidity better than others."

posted Tuesday February 27th