Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky And Others Forced To Bring ACs As Paris Olympics Stand Firm on Decision

With just under 40 days left until the Paris Olympics, anticipation is high as the world prepares for the grand event. Following the conclusion of the U.S. Olympic swimming and track trials, athletes like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, and more are set to represent the USA on the prestigious Parisian stage. As excitement builds, both athletes and spectators are mindful of the scorching weather ahead; the average high in Paris on the first of August reaches around 79 degrees. However, one wonders: will Paris take measures to optimal conditions for the athletes?

However, France is among the European countries affected by record-breaking heat waves last summer, experiencing one of the joint-hottest summers ever recorded on the continent. Tragically, more than 5,000 people in France lost their lives due to extreme heat. However, as part of a wide-ranging effort to make the Olympic Games more eco-friendly, Paris 2024 organizers have taken a bold step by announcing that the Olympic Village housing athletes will be constructed without air conditioning.

Instead, they’ve implemented an innovative cooling system utilizing water pipes beneath the floorboards to maintain comfortable temperatures, aiming to keep the rooms between 73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, complemented by the provision of fans. However, some visiting countries have opted to bring their own air-conditioning units. Yet, the response from many competing nations has not exactly been chill.

On June 21st, the CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee revealed that the U.S. would be one of several countries supplying portable air conditioning for their athletes in the Olympic Village. Although this might seem to conflict with Paris organizers’ sustainability goals, Hirshland emphasized the crucial role of these measures in enhancing athletes’ performance. Even few publications also noted that Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Britain are among the other nations planning to bring air conditioners to France, aiming to balance athlete comfort with environmental considerations during major sporting events. This raises the question: why not use air conditioning? Is it purely for environmental reasons?

Team USA won’t let Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and more suffer

Paris is making significant strides in its sustainability efforts, including ambitious projects like the cleaning of the Seine River, once deemed impossible. The Paris 2024 organizers are rising to the challenge, with a primary focus on addressing emissions. Recognizing the environmental impact of the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has been increasingly proactive. Collaborating with local organizers, they’re working to minimize waste and energy use, prioritizing existing venues and clean energy for transportation.

Paris is aiming to halve carbon emissions as well. However, it seems Team USA is determined not to let their star athletes like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Caeleb Dressel, and more suffer, prioritizing their comfort and performance. When it comes to the Olympics, there’s no tolerance for error—or sleepless nights due to stifling heat.