The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 introduced seven new sports to the lineup, including karate and climbing, bringing both excitement and challenges to the participating athletes. While the overall injuries at the games were comparable to previous Olympics, researchers found that some of the new sports significantly contributed to the total number of injuries.
A report published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2022 revealed that out of 11,315 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees who participated in the Tokyo Summer Olympics, there were a total of 1035 injuries and 438 illnesses reported over the 17-day event. This resulted in an average of approximately nine injuries and four illnesses per 100 athletes.
The study highlighted that the new sports, such as BMX racing, BMX freestyle, skateboarding, and karate, had a higher incidence of injuries compared to traditional sports like boxing. The reasons for these higher injury rates could vary from weather conditions, venue structures, equipment designs, to the athletes’ awareness and adherence to injury prevention strategies.
Managing Heat-Related Illnesses
With temperatures soaring over 30 degrees Celsius and humidity levels above 70 percent in Tokyo, heat illnesses impacted 78 athletes during the games. The mitigation efforts, including relocating some events, training recommendations, hydration provisions, and shade facilities, helped in managing the heat-related illnesses effectively. However, the researchers suggested that future games should be held in cooler environments to reduce the risk of exertional heat illnesses.
The IOC sports scientist Torbjørn Soligard and his team emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of injuries and illnesses in sports events. They suggested that sports governing bodies should utilize the data from these reports to implement measures aimed at reducing the risks for athletes in future competitions. Additionally, the researchers recommended planning future events in cooler climates to enhance athletes’ performance and safety.
While the Tokyo Olympics showcased exceptional athleticism and passion from athletes worldwide, the introduction of new sports brought about new challenges in terms of injuries and illnesses. The findings from the IOC report shed light on the importance of addressing these issues proactively to ensure the well-being of athletes and the success of future sporting events.