How Olympians Handle Extreme Heat

The Paris 2024 Olympics are officially underway. As athletes from around the world go for the gold, there’s another thing they’ll have to compete against: the heat.

Soaring temperatures, scorching sun. The 2024 Olympics is expected to be one of the hottest ever, and Team USA will feel the heat as they go for the gold.

Sarah Wick works with athletes at Ohio State University’s Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute. 

Olympian or not, she says any sport that exposes you to heat for long periods can cause the loss of several pounds in water weight, which can make a person vulnerable to heat-related illness.

That’s why staying hydrated is critical.

“They sip on water all day. If it’s something they’re training twice a day, they may use a sports drink,” Wick said.

Wick says sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes, but diet can also help. Foods like watermelon are comprised mostly of water and can aid hydration. Wick also recommends athletes eat saltier foods when excessively sweating.

To check hydration levels, Wick says to take a look at your urine; the color is a good indicator.

“If your urine color is clear, transparent… that lets us know you’re hydrated,” Wick said.