KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — National athletes due to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11 will be provided with portable air coolers amid France’s hot summer.
This follows the organisers’ decision not to provide air conditioning in the Olympic Village, which houses athletes from all over the world, even as France faces abnormal weather.
The chef de mission of the 2024 Olympics Malaysian Contingent Datuk Mohd Hamidin Mohd Amin confirmed the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the National Sports Council will supply air coolers.
“We knew from the beginning when the chef de mission visited (Paris) last year, and athletes were also informed there would be no air conditioning in the housing. We have air coolers, and we are ready to distribute them early,” he told reporters after a ceremony to announce Samsonite as the official luggage sponsor of the national Paris Olympics contingent with a sponsorship value of RM346,380.
In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the organisers earlier announced that the 7,000 rooms in the Olympic Village will not have air conditioning, but will use a geothermal cooling system that guarantees the temperature inside the building is at least 6ºC lower than the temperature outside.
With temperatures this summer predicted to be higher than the 25-42ºC range previously recorded, some athletes have expressed concern about potential health risks, including cramps, fatigue and heat stroke.
According to international media reports, the organisers recently announced they have received orders for 2,500 air-conditioners from several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Greece and Australia, with the additional cost borne by the respective contingents.
Hamidin advised all athletes to be careful and safe as the Olympics near.
“We hope they can take care of their health, or be a little careful in training, otherwise it will be a pity if they get injured before the games start,” he said commenting on the incident of road cyclist Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir, who suffered minor injuries after an accident while participating in a competition in Belgium on June 16.
Hamidin confirmed that 26 Malaysian athletes will go to the Olympics, after diver Ooi Tze Liang failed to enter the World Aquatics slot yesterday.
He said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh will announce the medal target.
— Bernama
