Tokyo 2020 marathon and race walking might move to Sapporo
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that it is planning to move the Olympic marathon and race walking events to Sapporo, the host city of the Olympic Winter Games 1972. The move will mean significantly lower temperatures for the athletes during the Olympic Games. In Sapporo temperatures are five to six degrees cooler than in Tokyo,
Earlier the Tokyo 2020 organisers have taken other countermeasures against heat. For instance, the 5,000m and longer distance races will be held in the evening while marathon and race walking - in the morning.
“Athletes health is a priority for us. The Olympic Games are the platform where athletes can give ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ performances, and we should create conditions for them to give their best,” IOC President Thomas Bach said.
