"TOKYO - As competitors battled for the podium on the third day of Olympic athletics on Sunday, it was Tokyo's oppressive heat that perhaps dished out the most pain.

Punishing conditions greeted athletes and officials as a trackside thermometer touched 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and the humidity hovered around 60%, with sun beating down on an Olympic Stadium devoid of spectators due to COVID-19.

American Michael Norman, after finishing second in his 400 metres heat, said he has been drinking a lot of water for months in preparation as Tokyo is more humid than California. "I just got to make sure I'm hydrated."

The risks of heat-stroke at one of the hottest Games on record are borne by the athletes, but also by the thousands of staff, especially at outdoor venues."

Amy Tennery and Omar Mohammed report for Reuters August 1, 2021. [2]