Tokyo’s climate has a major impact on the exercise capacity of non-acclimatized elite athletes, independent of sports discipline

A large interindividual variability was found for exercise capacity and thermoregulatory responses, whereas no significant association was found between peak core temperature and performance outcomes

Findings from this study emphasize that it is impossible to offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ heat mitigation strategy to elite athletes, and underline the importance of determining the individual’s needs for heat acclimatization, cooling interventions and a hydration plan