Over 400 Olympic athletes have signed the letter presented on Friday. In the letter, they appeal to the seven candidates for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prioritize the environment above all else.
"To the future president, we ask you to hold one question higher than all others during your years in office: to take care of our planet", they write and continue:
"Rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions are already affecting our competition schedules, exposing iconic arenas and locations to great risks and affecting the health of athletes and supporters. It is no longer a future threat, but a present one, and it is harming the sports we love and the countries that make up the Olympic family."
In addition, the Olympic athletes wrote that they want to book a meeting on the subject as soon as the new president is announced.
According to Reuters, athletes from nearly 90 countries have signed the letter, including Australian swimmer Emma McKeon, with six Olympic gold medals and 14 medals in total.
