When the thermometer rises on Wednesday and Thursday, the Swedish European Championship squad faces a real challenge.
Up to 36 degrees is expected on Thursday, when discus star Daniel Ståhl steps out to fight for gold.
Everyone is affected. Then it affects certain disciplines to different degrees. The long races, of course, but also those who have to jump a lot, says Ellen Huldén.
Talking point in the squad
Someone who was already affected on Tuesday, in 27-degree heat, was Melwin Lycke Holm in the high jump heat.
"I almost sat where the officials sit for a while, in the shade, just because that's where there was the most shade. That's always the tactic, to be able to stay as cool as possible," says Holm Lycke.
Ellen Huldén says that the heat has become a talking point in the national team squad.
It is brought up at our meetings, but we have talked about this from the beginning, she says and continues:
It's about drinking enough, rehydrating, wearing a hat and staying in the shade. You shouldn't be out in the sun more than necessary, it takes a lot of energy. We also make sure they get enough salts, because that's what you lose when you sweat.
Long and triple jumper Maja Åskag must therefore be extra careful before Thursday's triple jump final.
"I actually love sunbathing, but I'm not going to... I'm going to avoid it. I'll just have to take it easy," she says.
Ellen Huldén believes that they are well prepared for the heat.
We need to take that into account. Don't get overheated, get heatstroke and get sick. At first it affects performance, but you can get really sick if you get heatstroke in the worst case.
“Then you have to think about it”
To meet the challenge, the medical team in Birmingham has prepared a series of measures.
We bring cooling vests, rehydration and work with ice and ice baths. There is ice so you can put towels in, ice bags and try to keep the body cool. We hand out resorb all the time, says Huldén.
When is it too hot to compete? Do you compete in 40 degrees?
Well, then I think they (the organiser) should have thought about what times to compete.
