The increase in episodes of extreme heat, such as at the end of May 2026, directly impacts the performance and health of athletes, as evidenced by recent difficulties observed during major competitions. In Paris, during Roland-Garros, or at local events, athletes face discomfort and respiratory failures, highlighting the vulnerability of the human body to high temperatures, as experienced by Spanish tennis player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who came close to retiring during his first match on the clay courts of Paris.
Players’ Concerns Ahead of the World Cup
As upcoming international events like the World Cup in football approach, the climate conditions forecasted in certain host cities in North America, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees, are causing great concern. Unlike the air-conditioned facilities seen in previous editions like in Qatar, the Mexican, American, and Canadian stadiums will expose footballers to extreme thermal conditions during the tournament.
Towards a Revision of Security Protocols
Faced with the risks involved, governing bodies like FIFA are considering cooling breaks during matches to limit prolonged exposure to the elements. However, many players deem these measures insufficient, now demanding the implementation of much stricter thermal protocols to ensure their physical integrity on the field.
/2026/05/25/6a14b7bd6b57a926438461.jpg "Swimming: Léon Marchand will train at Insep before the French championships, then in Marseille")
