With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio fast approaching, MORECAST takes a look back at how weather has played a major role in past Olympic Games.
1. The first official Summer Olympics were held in Athens in 1896. With very little technology to help predict the weather compared to what is used today, athletes and event coordinators often had little time to make adjustments for a shift in weather conditions. Two events, rowing and yachting, had to be canceled due to bad weather. The Games were not the only event affected by weather. Even the closing ceremony was impacted when rain caused the ceremony to be rescheduled.
2. Several years later at the 1904 Olympics held in St. Louis, temperatures in the 90s led to one of the most brutal marathons in Olympic history. In addition to the heat, dusty conditions made it difficult for runners to breathe. Only two water stations were set up, causing many runners to become dehydrated. One runner from California, William Garcia, nearly died from the heat and dust. Garcia collapsed on the side of the road and when admitted to the hospital, was found to have hemorrhaging due to the dust. Other runners suffered severe cramps and numerous athletes could not finish the race.
3. At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, the Olympic flame was put out after a heavy rainstorm doused the fire. With no Olympic officials around, workmen re-lit the flame using a cigarette lighter. It was later doused again and relit with a backup torch to keep with Olympic traditions. It is the only flame in Olympic history to have been extinguished due to rain.
4. Warm weather at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles led to a memorable finish of the women’s marathon. Marathon runner Gabriela Andersen-Schiess staggered into the stadium for her final lap. Suffering from heat exhaustion due to high humidity and temperatures in the 90s, Gabriela struggled to walk a straight line. The medical team rushed to her side, but she refused to let them help her to avoid being disqualified. As she crossed the finish line, she fell into the arms of the medical team, making for an iconic finish that highlighted the strength of Olympic athletes.
5. Air quality was a major controversy at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With many athletes concerned for their health, the city took certain measures prior to the Games in an attempt to decrease air pollution. Some plants and factories were closed down, restrictions at gas stations were set, and citizens had limited use of both commercial and passenger vehicles. Officials even took extreme measures to increase air quality by using cloud seeding. The method is thought to have helped rain fall prior to the opening ceremony and aided in clearing the air. Although these efforts helped to improve the conditions, it was still the worst air quality in Olympic history.
6. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, numerous days of rain caused slippery and wet conditions for outdoor events. Many spectators endured the rain with umbrellas and raincoats, including members of the Royal Family. The most notable impact from the rain was at the triathlon event. With slick roads and tight curves along the bicycle course, several triathletes fell as their bicycles were unable to handle the slippery roads.
Will the weather at this year’s Olympics in Rio lead to more memorable moments? MORECAST meteorologists will be closely following the weather at this year’s Olympics! Stay tuned to MORECAST’s Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on the weather at the 2016 Olympics.