Summer Olympics

Swiss Olympic chief says Tokyo heat and travel challenging

Published Aug. 29, 2019 2:05 p.m. ET

MACOLIN, Switzerland (AP) — Switzerland's Olympic team leaders foresee challenges coping with heat and humidity next year in Tokyo and venues scattered outside the city.

Swiss team chief Ralph Stöckli says a team of around 110 athletes should be selected. Switzerland sent 105 to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and won seven medals, including three gold.

Speaking at a news conference after returning from Tokyo, Stöckli says the working visit left a positive impression of organizers' preparations for the July 24-Aug. 9 games.

He says the main challenges are preparing for the expected climate, plus supervising athletes and deciding the delegation's accommodation in sports held outside central Tokyo.

The International Olympic Committee has published a "Beat The Heat" guide to help athletes acclimatize and regulate their body temperature.

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