Organizers have confirmed that this weekend's Diamond League athletics meeting in Paris will proceed as scheduled, despite a historic heatwave sweeping across France and straining emergency services.
Just hours after Paris authorities urged the event's cancellation, the French Athletics Federation (FFA) on Friday confirmed the meet would go ahead on Sunday at the Charlety Stadium, following an agreement with police.
Since June 21, unusually high temperatures have persisted, prompting the Paris police department to request the cancellation of the athletics event, along with other weekend gatherings such as a music festival and a Pride parade. The police said they would be forced to issue a cancellation order if the organizers did not voluntarily comply, as emergency crews needed to focus on protecting the most vulnerable.
The FFA, which organizes the event, said the meeting would take place "in an adapted format designed to guarantee the safety of all participants." Only professional competition events will be held, while all other activities are canceled.
"Since the start of this extreme weather event, the French Athletics Federation has been closely monitoring the situation, in continuous coordination with the authorities. The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators, and all involved staff remains our top priority," the FFA said.
Among the measures to mitigate the heat's impact, the FFA cited delaying the stadium's gate opening time for spectators, boosting medical and emergency teams, and setting up additional water stations and shaded areas.
The average temperature recorded at 30 weather stations by Meteo France on Thursday again hit 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), matching the national record for the hottest day set the day before. For the first time, more than three-quarters of French territory has been placed under a red heat alert.
Top athletes including Noah Lyles, Femke Bol, and Mondo Duplantis are expected to compete in Paris.
