Tag Archives: olympic

Experts explain why Olympic marathon runners are highly susceptible to getting diarrhea

Posted on by
Reply

From watching to cheering, or even dreaming of competing in the Olympics, every competition is thrilling. However, the excitement can quickly fade when considering the potential illnesses one may contract from participating. Experts have cautioned that athletes involved in the marathon swimming event in the River Seine in Paris are at risk of falling ill, most likely experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea.

“I would not have chosen the Seine,” stated Professor Davy Jones, an expert in Environmental Science and Public Health at Bangor University. He highlighted the high urbanization of the area, exposing the river to various chemicals and biological agents, increasing the risk of illness for athletes.

Concerns were raised after several training sessions in the Seine were canceled due to elevated levels of fecal matter in the water. Athletes, like Austrian swimmer Felix Aubeck, expressed apprehension about the water quality and its potential impact on their health.

Virus threat

Testing has shown unsafe levels of bacteria, including E. coli, in the water, prompting the need for further assessments and precautions to ensure the safety of athletes. Illnesses such as norovirus and ear infections have been observed as common post-swimming ailments.

The presence of these harmful substances in the water poses a significant health risk, with sewage overflow contributing to the contamination. Despite treatment efforts, the discharge of sewage into rivers remains a concern, particularly during heavy rains.

Experts emphasize the challenges of cleaning the Seine effectively to eliminate the risk of pathogens. While protective gear provides some defense, swimmers remain susceptible to exposure, especially during outdoor events in contaminated water.

Although the situation raises concerns, experts consider it an opportunity for a scientific study to understand the impact of water quality on athletes’ health. Ultimately, the decision to swim in the Seine remains a personal choice, with experts urging caution and thorough risk assessment.

About our experts

Professor Davy Jones: Professor of Environmental Science and Public Health at Bangor University, with expertise in advising governments and conducting research on various environmental issues.

David Warner: Professor of Environmental Systems Modeling at Newcastle University, known for his research on water quality and environmental pollution.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Training like an Olympian doesn’t guarantee Olympic success

Posted on by
Reply

Experts often suggest that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to excel in any field. However, not everyone possesses the talent required to become an Olympian or Paralympian. While practice can enhance performance, genetic factors impacting both physical strength and mental aptitude likely make the distinction between “good” and “great” athletes.

An analysis in 2016 revealed that only 18% of an athlete’s success can be attributed to practice, with this percentage dropping to 1% for athletes competing at the international level.

Athletic success is also influenced by external factors beyond an individual’s control, such as their birthdate. For instance, in the 2010-11 UEFA Youth Football Tournament, 43% of players were born between January and March (early in the selection cycle). Only 9% of players were born between October and December.

According to many sports psychologists, older children starting school may have an advantage in sports due to factors like size, strength, and confidence. However, the birth month advantage may also be influenced by social factors such as teachers’ perceptions of a child’s abilities.

Contrary to the belief that early specialization is key, research shows that concentrating on one skill from a young age can be detrimental. For example, a Danish study revealed that Elite athletes often choose their specialization later in life and receive less training during their formative years compared to near-elite athletes. The distinguishing factor for elite athletes is intensifying their training in their late teens.

Therefore, the ideal approach to becoming an Olympian may involve exploring various interests as a child and then focusing on activities where natural talent and, most importantly, enjoyment are found.

For further insight into sports science:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Limitations of Training Like an Olympian: Why It Won’t Guarantee Olympic Success

Posted on by
Reply

It’s a common belief that it requires 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill, but studies suggest that not everyone possesses the innate talent required to become an Olympian or Paralympian. While practice can enhance performance, genetic factors impacting both physical strength and cognitive abilities likely distinguish between “good” and “great” athletes.

An analysis conducted in 2016 revealed that only 18% of an athlete’s sports performance can be attributed to practice. For athletes competing at the international level, this percentage drops to just 1 percent.

The success in sports is also influenced by factors beyond one’s control, such as birth timing. For instance, in the 2010-11 UEFA Youth Football Tournament, 43% of players were born between January and March (earlier in the selection period). Only 9% of players were born between October and December.

Older children who start school may have a physical advantage over their younger peers in terms of size, strength, and confidence. However, many sports psychologists argue that any birth month advantage is also influenced by social factors, such as how teachers perceive a child’s abilities.

Contrary to the belief that starting early is vital, research indicates that excessive specialization at a young age can be detrimental. For instance, a Danish study demonstrated that elite athletes chose their specialization later in life and underwent less training during their early years compared to near-elite athletes. What sets elite athletes apart is their increased training intensity during their late teenage years.

Therefore, the most effective approach to becoming an Olympian may involve exploring a range of interests as a child and then focusing on activities where natural talent and enjoyment are evident.

Explore more about sports science:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Five performance-enhancing drugs that are on the edge of legality, giving Olympic athletes a boost to their limits

Posted on by
Reply

In 1999, the sports world experienced a significant change. On November 10, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was founded with the goal of “protecting athletes, promoting clean sport values, and upholding the spirit of sports globally.”

WADA was established in response to various high-profile drug-related incidents, such as Ben Johnson’s steroid scandal in the 1988 Olympics and the 1998 “Festina Scandal” involving drugs found in a team car at the Tour de France. It was created out of concern for athlete safety and the potential backlash from audiences towards professional sports.

The WADA Code includes an annual publication of a Prohibited List, which outlines banned substances and methods for both in-competition and out-of-competition use. A substance or method is considered prohibited if it meets two out of three criteria – it may enhance performance, poses health risks to athletes, or goes against the spirit of sport.

This framework aims to create a safer environment for athletes but also presents a grey area where certain substances or methods could be legal but potentially illegal in the future.

As a result, there is ongoing investigation into legal methods and substances commonly used by professional athletes that may face bans in the future.

1. Carbon monoxide rebreathing

With more than 100 deaths annually in the UK due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the use of carbon monoxide rebreathing in sports science may raise eyebrows. However, this method is commonly used to measure hemoglobin levels in athletes.

Through carbon monoxide rebreathing, athletes inhale the gas to measure various blood parameters, particularly hemoglobin content, which impacts oxygen delivery to muscles. This process simulates the effects of training at high altitudes, where athletes produce more red blood cells to enhance performance.

Inhaling carbon monoxide can raise the carbon monoxide level in your blood to about 5 percent. – Photo credit: Getty Images

While this method has its benefits, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can have adverse effects on an athlete’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to concerns about its use.

2. Oxygen Tent

Similar to carbon monoxide rebreathing, oxygen tents are popular among athletes to simulate high-altitude environments and enhance red blood cell counts. These tents have been used by various sports teams and athletes to improve performance through altitude training.

Former footballer Graham Cooper trains wearing a training mask connected to an altitude generator for low-oxygen training. – Photo credit: Getty

Despite its benefits, the use of oxygen tents has stirred controversy in the past due to concerns about artificially elevated blood parameters and its impact on the spirit of sports. Regulations and bans have been enforced in some regions to address these issues.

3. High-tech trisuit

Alex Yee overtakes New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde in a dramatic finale of the Paris 2024 Olympic triathlon – Photo Credit: Getty

Modern trisuits, like the one worn by British triathlete Alex Yee at the Paris Olympics, incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance performance. These suits are designed to optimize aerodynamics, improve speed, and potentially provide advantages in water sports.

With innovations in fabric technology and fit, these trisuits are custom-made to maximize performance while complying with sports regulations. The use of advanced materials and design elements can influence race outcomes significantly.

4. Ketone Drinks

Ketone drinks have gained popularity among athletes for their potential to boost energy levels without the need for starvation. These drinks can help conserve glycogen reserves during intense exercise, improve endurance, and enhance recovery between workouts.

Despite their benefits, the use of ketone drinks raises concerns about their long-term effects on health and athletic performance. Organizations like the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) advocate against the use of ketones due to insufficient research and potential risks associated with their consumption.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine remains a popular dietary supplement among athletes due to its proven performance-enhancing effects. Studies have shown that caffeine can improve fat burning, speed, and endurance by stimulating neuronal activity in the brain and triggering the release of adrenaline.

While caffeine is legal and widely used, there are concerns about its safety when consumed in excessive amounts. Regulations on caffeine use have evolved over time, with bans being implemented and lifted based on scientific evidence and health considerations.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

‘Olympic Behind-the-Scenes Video Takes TikTok by Storm’

Posted on by
Reply

The Olympic finish line has evolved from just showcasing winning athletes with their medals to now involving every Olympian in the event by sharing videos of themselves unboxing sponsored gear.

These unboxing videos, a social media trend, are now being posted on TikTok by athletes gearing up for their events in Paris this summer.

Millions of viewers are eagerly tuning in to catch a glimpse of the gear set to be worn in the upcoming games.


Alika Schmidt, a 400m specialist from Germany, models an Adidas skirt and quarter-zip sweatshirt, while Australian hurdler Tayleigh Willis dons a yellow and green Asics uniform, showcasing their sponsored gear in TikTok videos.

The buzz around the Paris 2024 uniforms is palpable, with some calling it “the biggest Olympics in fashion history.” The LVMH-sponsored tournament has already sparked interest, with Mongolia’s intricately embroidered kit designed by Ulaanbaatar-based brand Michel & Amazonka gaining traction as a fan favorite.

Videos documenting athletes’ journeys from around the world to the Olympic Village are also gaining momentum on social media platforms. US tennis player Coco Gauff shares a peek into her in-flight meal before her nap, giving followers a taste of the behind-the-scenes action.

Exploring the Olympic Village, Danish handball team members showcase their decorated rooms with personal touches like photos and flags. The glimpse into the athletes’ living spaces, including Paris 2024’s unique cardboard beds, adds a layer of authenticity to the Olympic experience.

The human side of the Olympics is on full display, as athletes like Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns share touching cultural encounters and interactions from the Olympic Village, evoking emotional responses from viewers.

US rugby player Ilona Maher, known for her TikTok presence during the Tokyo Olympics, continues to entertain and engage her audience with content leading up to Paris 2024, showcasing the fun and creative side of the Games.

The Olympics have become a significant platform for athletes and brands alike to connect with diverse audiences through social media, opening up new opportunities for partnerships and content monetization.

As the world unites to celebrate the sporting spirit at the Olympics, the event remains a beacon of unity and a powerful platform for athletes to share their stories and engage with fans worldwide.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Report shows pollution in Seine River still poses danger to Olympic athletes

Posted on by
Reply

With just over a month until the Olympics begin, pollution levels in Paris’ River Seine remain too dangerous for Olympic athletes to compete, according to a city monitoring report.

of Report finds elevated levels of E. coli Routine samples taken at several points along the Seine between June 10 and 16 contained toxins that are indicators of fecal matter.

During the Olympics, Paris plans to have athletes compete on the Seine River. Marathon swimming and Triathlon EventThe first event, the men’s triathlon, is scheduled for July 30th. According to the Associated Press.

To make this possible, Paris has spent about $1.5 billion cleaning up the city’s aging sewer system, which drains water into the river during heavy rains. But a new report suggests those efforts may not have been enough.

The International Olympic Committee and Paris 2024, the local organizing body in Paris, did not immediately respond to inquiries from NBC News.

Last year, test events for triathlon and marathon swimming were held on the Seine. Designed to ensure the Olympic Games run smoothly — The service was halted in August after the river failed pollution tests.

Weather can play a big role in the Seine’s pollution: Unusual rainfall in May and rainy days last week caused a significant drop in water quality, according to a new report, along with a lack of sunny days and periods of low water flow, which help reduce bacteria.

“The sun inactivates bacteria,” says Helena Solo-Gabriel, a professor in the University of Miami’s Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering.

Solo-Gabriele added that if fecal matter in the water where athletes swim exceeds safety standards, it could cause gastrointestinal illness.

The situation on the Seine has been monitored for several months. Non-profit organization Surfrider Foundation Europe It released its own results from six months of testing and found that nearly all samples failed to meet acceptable levels of E. coli and enterococcus, two types of bacteria that scientists typically test for in fecal samples.

“High bacteria counts mean there’s too much waste in the water, and waste carries bacteria that can make people sick,” says Daniel Nyzgorski, an ecologist who monitors water quality in King County, Washington.

But he added that many people don’t realize that most strains of E. coli are harmless, and studies show that swimming-related illnesses rarely result in hospitalization.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and French President Emmanuel Macron have promised to swim in the Seine to prove its water is clean, but have yet to do so.

Paris is not the first city to face a bacterial problem during the Olympics. AP analysis Levels of viruses and bacteria from fecal contamination at Olympic venues in Rio de Janeiro were found to be 1.7 million times higher than levels considered safe on some U.S. beaches. Brazilian government and IOC officials acknowledged that the water was contaminated but said the sites where athletes were competing met World Health Organization standards. According to the New York Times:.

“There’s a lot of polluted water out there. It’s a problem wherever there’s urbanization and the environment doesn’t have the natural flow that dilutes the bacteria,” Solo-Gabriel said.

Experts said the Olympics bring particular attention to these challenges every four years.

“Hopefully this case will bring attention to the problem of river pollution that we need to address not just for Olympic athletes, but for everyday people,” said Karen Levy, a professor at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and Occupational Health.

NBC News is a unit of NBCUniversal, which owns U.S. media rights to the Olympics through 2032, including the 2024 Paris Games, which begin July 26.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Paris heatwave raises concerns for Olympic hopefuls

Posted on by
Reply

summary

  • A group of Olympic hopefuls has expressed concern about the heat during the games in Paris.
  • Olympic organizers say they are preparing for tough conditions, including scheduling events to avoid heat.
  • A study has found that Paris is one of the European capitals most vulnerable to heatstroke concerns.
  • Heatwaves could cause temperatures to rise by up to seven degrees Celsius since 2003 A study published in November.

Leading up to the Paris Olympics, athletes are raising concerns about the scorching summer temperatures and the impact of climate change on their competitiveness and safety in sports.

In a recent report by climate advocacy and sports organizations in the UK and US, 11 athletes have highlighted the environmental challenges at the upcoming Olympics and the long-term implications for sporting competitions in a warming world.

Report The average temperature in Paris during the Olympics is projected to be over 5.5 degrees higher than in 1924, the last time the city hosted the event.

Athlete Jamie Ferndale, a former GB Olympic rugby sevens team member, expressed concerns about the extreme heat in Paris potentially affecting athletes’ performance.

“When temperatures reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, it becomes quite dangerous,” Ferndale said. “With six games in three days, athletes don’t have enough time to cool off between matches.”

Olympic organizers are taking measures to combat the heat, scheduling events strategically to minimize exposure and implementing heat-response tools to ensure safety, according to an International Olympic Committee spokesperson.

Local organizers for Paris 2024 have stated that France’s meteorological service will be closely monitoring temperatures, and adjustments to competition dates can be made if needed. Free water will also be available to spectators to help combat the heat.

Paris, being one of the European capitals most vulnerable to heat waves, is focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the Olympics. Geothermal cooling and natural ventilation will be used in the athletes’ village, which will serve as permanent housing post-Olympics.

Athlete Pragnya Mohan raised concerns about the lack of air conditioning potentially affecting athletes’ recovery rate. However, the Paris 2024 committee assured that temperatures in athlete accommodations would be significantly lower than outside, and portable cooling units would be available for rent.

Discus thrower Sam Mathis questioned the feasibility of hosting Summer Olympics during the hottest times of the year, considering the challenges posed by extreme heat. Research has shown that heat-related illnesses have affected athletes in past Olympics, prompting the need for climate-conscious measures.

Investments in sustainable practices, such as cleaning up the Seine, building bike lanes, and planting shade trees, demonstrate Paris’ commitment to reducing emissions and adapting to future climate challenges.

Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire stressed the urgency of making changes to protect people from the dangers of extreme heat in everyday life.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Olympic athletes may encounter tough competition in the form of scorching Paris temperatures

Posted on by
Reply


Pierre Maslow, a statistician at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, stated that Paris is considered the highest risk city among all European capitals. Heat exposure concerns in 854 European cities.

The Olympic Village in Paris will feature a wildlife-friendly rooftop, environmentally-friendly building materials, and green spaces including a public park.

However, as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the event, no air conditioning will be installed in the players’ rooms. Instead, the complex will rely on natural airflow cooling and groundwater cooling systems. Organizers mentioned that even in the heat, nighttime temperatures do not exceed 79 degrees. Read more here.

A study in Nature Climate and Atmospheric Science suggests that heatwave temperatures are on the rise in comparison to 2003. Temperatures could now reach up to 7 degrees F higher than during the 2003 heatwave.

During the last Summer Olympics in Tokyo, extreme heat affected many athletes, leading to rescheduling of events. About 110 athletes suffered heatstroke during the Tokyo Games due to high temperatures. Endurance events were moved to Sapporo to deal with the heat.

The absence of spectators at the Tokyo Games helped reduce the burden on medical staff, according to Shota Tanaka, a part-time researcher at Kokushikan University. However, this is an issue that Paris must consider as the number of heatstroke cases is expected to be high.

Tanaka added, “Holding the Olympics in August is fundamentally a risky idea from a heatstroke perspective.” Athletes typically prepare for the heat several weeks before the games.

Source: www.nbcnews.com