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Tokyo 2020 Already Collecting Heat Stroke Data To Take Safety Measures

The next Olympic quadrennial has already kicked off its countdown, as the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio have officially concluded. With just over 1400 days to go until Tokyo 2020’s opening ceremony, organizers are already revealing details of their intense planning, which is already well underway.

In addition to our report yesterday of Tokyo 2020’s desire to source competition medals from used cell phones, organizers are also using technology to keep tabs on the heat index throughout the city. As the 2020 Games will be held in the height of Tokyo’s summer, where temperatures can reach upwards of 91-95F with high humidity, city-wide monitoring devices are being set-up to assess heat stroke risk during the Games.

Headed by Japan’s Environment Ministry, the city-wide devices will be measuring heat and humidity at the site of stadiums, as well as along the planned marathon route. Measurements will also be taken as to the strength of sunlight bouncing off road and pavement, all with the goal of turning the data into qualitative heat stroke warnings. ‘Caution’, ‘Strict Vigilance’ and ‘Danger’ are the proposed warning notations that NHK News reports may be generated from the data collection.

Additionally, organizers are exploring more avenues to combat the heat, including the planting of more shade trees, as well as the installation of misters and sprinkler systems.

It is worth noting that, although Tokyo was indeed the Summer Olympic Games host back in 1964, the competition was held in mid-October, where high temperatures are closer to just 70F.

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Sven
8 years ago

There is some pretty cool stuff going on with concrete and asphalt to keep them from getting too hot in the sun. Hopefullly they’re looking into that as well.

Attila the Hunt
Reply to  Sven
8 years ago

I’m hoping they’re going to install sensors on the the route connected to chips installed in runners/walkers’ shoes so the digital platform viewers able to know and view the exact location of individual runner at any given time. Should work for Open Water or road cycling as well.

Lane Four
8 years ago

Tokyo is going to rock!

Uberfan
8 years ago

Not only is this gonna take place 4 years in the future with plenty of time for technology to advance its going to take place in the worlds most high tech country. Ever used a Japanese toilet it’s incredible can’t wait for the games

iLikePsych
8 years ago

If they had only started 2 months sooner, we could have said they started preparing before Rio did.

Beachbumj343
8 years ago

As far as swimming goes do we know if it’s a indoor or outdoor pool yet for the 2020 games?

Attila the Hunt
Reply to  Beachbumj343
8 years ago

After 2004 Athens and 2005 Montreal, FINA has decreed that competition pool for Olympic Games and World Championships must be indoor.

swammer81
Reply to  Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

Worlds 2009?

Attila the Hunt
Reply to  swammer81
8 years ago

You’re right. It was after 2009 Rome with its searing heat. I was thinking Athens.

Lane Four
Reply to  Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

But LA 2024 has an outdoor pool in the plans. This is confusing. LOL

Taa
Reply to  Lane Four
8 years ago

I think Hungary worlds pool is totally indoors. Kazan sure wasnt indoors but it was covered. Rio had a roof but no real walls. I doubt LA would be inside more likely something like Kazan.

Attila the Hunt
Reply to  Taa
8 years ago

It turned out I wasnt totally incorrect about Athens. FINA already asked that potential host must put in place roof for competition swimming pool starting from Athens.

http://www.sportcal.com/News/PressReleases/32091

Kazan was a football stadium with temporary roof. Similar set up with Rio and Atlanta. LA will likely be the same.
Budapest next year will be totally permanently indoor. Tokyo will be the same.

coacherik
Reply to  Beachbumj343
8 years ago

Who votes down on an innocuous question?

Beachbumj343
Reply to  coacherik
8 years ago

I was thinking the exact same thing Erik. There are serious things with some people. Your one of the good ones.

Lane Four
Reply to  Beachbumj343
8 years ago

Welcome to the weird world of SwimSwam. There are more trolls here than anyone realizes.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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