Steven Gardiner is a Bahamian track and field sprinter. Furthermore, he excels in the 400 meters, holding titles as the 2020 Olympic and 2019 world champions. Notably, he clinched a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships in the same event. As the first male Olympic champion from the Bahamas in an individual sport, Gardiner’s achievements shine brightly. 

Steven Gardiner’s trademark smooth running style and the exceptional ability to sustain speed throughout the 400 meters set him apart. Renowned for his unwavering spirit, he never backs down from competition. Unfortunately, the challenging conditions at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest led to his hospitalization.

Track and Field star’s recent ordeal highlights harsh athlete conditions

A recent Twitter video posted by a sports journalist shook the track and field world. The X (Twitter) video brought attention to the unfavorable conditions athletes endured during the championship. Athletes were allegedly confined to a tent without air conditioning, even up to 30 minutes before their events in sweltering conditions. This situation took a toll, as evidenced when track and field athlete Gardiner had to be wheeled off the track following his 400m heat. 

With temperatures already in the mid-80s Fahrenheit in Budapest as events commenced, the tent’s lack of ventilation exacerbated the heat. Reports indicated humidity levels ranging from 56 to 90 percent, leaving many athletes visibly distressed. NBC’s reporter witnessed athletes being transported by carts, eventually being led to a tented room below, devoid of air conditioning. 

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The 1-minute 19-second video illustrated the perilous situation, highlighting the risk of competing in such heat, as exemplified by Gardiner’s ordeal. Paramedics resorted to covering Gardiner with a sheet to shield him from the sun as he battled dehydration and nausea, exacerbated by both the heat and the absence of AC. This incident isn’t isolated; Olympic athletes have previously voiced concerns over similar “unreasonable” conditions.

Gardiner’s situation echoes concerns about athlete well-being

The recent incident involving Steven Gardiner echoed a prior occurrence. Concerns emerged about conditions in quarantine hotels during the Winter Olympics. Athletes and others voiced their dismay over conditions for COVID-19-positive individuals during the 2022 Winter Games in China. Positive cases are segregated from the Olympic bubble to curb virus spread. 

Nonetheless, several facilities fell short in terms of living standards, encompassing everything from food quality to inadequate training resources, were noted. Furthermore, there was a disparity in how COVID-positive athletes are treated. Some were staying in the Olympic Village while others were moved to hotels, as per the Associated Press. The recent incident in the track and field world underscores that further steps are needed to prioritize athletes’ health and well-being.

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