Environmental factors such as climate and pollution form a key part of major championship preparation. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games will present a unique combination of high thermal and ozone stressors. Japan has the highest levels of ozone in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; with annual peak values (65-73 ppb) aligning with the Olympic/Paralympic schedules (23 July to 5 September 2021). Herein, we provide a synopsis of the effects and potential mitigating factors of air pollution on athlete health and performance. We integrate these recommendations with established guidelines on heat, to provide guidance for the 2020 Summer Olympic/Paralympic Games and beyond.
© Copyright 2021 British Journal of Sports Medicine. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd of the BMA. All rights reserved.