The badminton competition at the Youth Olympic Festival at Homebush earlier this week
Sydney’s record heatwave has put a halt on competition at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival today with five sports interrupted or postponed.
The scorching conditions required Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) organisers to intervene and temporarily stop the basketball, canoe/slalom, golf, athletics and cycling competitions.
“With the mercury hitting 46.5C in the west the health of these young athletes is top priority,” Director of Sport Fiona de Jong said.
“We are working with the competition managers of each sport to avoid heat associated issues at all venues and villages.
“Athletes and spectators are being reminded to stay well hydrated and we are monitoring all the Olympic venues and villages.”
At Lane Cove the Rugby Sevens games went ahead unaffected despite the oppressive heat.
Competition continued as scheduled in diving, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, triathlon and weightlifting.
Events scheduled for the weekend will go ahead as planned, with cooler temperatures predicted to hit Sydney on Saturday.