In a hot summer to remember

 • Athletes and teams competing in the Games will experience hot dry conditions, with afternoon highs of around 35°C;

• As always for hot conditions, keep athletes well hydrated (a clear, pale urine color suggests a good hydration level) and cool prior to competition;

• Keeping athletes out of direct sunlight (radiative heat energy) prior to performing their event in outdoor conditions will lower the athlete’s heat load (dry heat su
pports better sweat evaporation compared to humid conditions – find shade);

• A new practical pre-cooling technique involving the ingestion of ~500‐600ml of an ice slurry drink 30‐45 minutes prior to exercise in the heat appears to be a practical intervention that could give our New Zealand athletes an advantage in a number of events contested in hot conditions – consider whether your athletes might benefit;

• About a 7‐d period of heat exposure should be considered for athletes coming from cool New Zealand prior to performing in hot Delhi;

• Singapore represents a practical stopover due to its warm temperatures for training and acclimating, its relatively clean air, food and water, and the fact that it’s on the way for New Zealand athletes traveling from New Zealand – book your hotel and training venues early;

• Attempt to arrive in Delhi as close to the event as logically possible in order to limit exposure to the polluted environment;

• Avoid training in early mornings in Delhi when pollution levels are at their peak (due to evening local home heating and cooking with open fires);

• Avoid peak hour traffic and long periods of time in vehicles when possible;

• Ensure that visits to local markets and cultural Indian experiences are done after the athlete’s competition schedule is completed.