- Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships face extreme heat conditions.
- Japan experiencing its hottest summer since 1898.
- Race walks and marathons rescheduled to avoid peak temperatures.
- Organizers implementing safety measures to protect athletes.
- World Athletics calls for stronger climate action from sports leadership.
- Championships run from September 13 to 21.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships are set to open under extreme heat, with Tokyo enduring its hottest summer since records began in 1898. Temperatures have surged 2.36°C above average, forcing organizers to rethink event schedules and safety protocols.
The opening day’s 35km race walks for men and women will begin early in the morning to avoid peak heat, with forecasts predicting highs of 32°C. Marathons and other endurance events are also being rescheduled to minimize exposure to dangerous conditions.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has acknowledged the challenge, stating that athlete welfare must take precedence as climate extremes become more common. With governments slow to act on climate change, sports bodies are now making independent decisions to protect competitors.
Tokyo’s heat isn’t new to global athletics. During the 2021 Olympics, similar conditions led to the relocation of events to cooler regions. This time, the competitions remain in the capital, but with added precautions — including hydration stations, cooling zones, and real-time health monitoring.
The championships, running from September 13 to 21, will test not only athletic performance but also the resilience of organizers and medical teams. As climate pressures mount, Tokyo 2025 may become a defining moment in how global sports adapt to a warming world.
