(EUGENE, Ore.) U.S. Olympic Track and Field officials have already made changes to the event schedule in Eugene this weekend to keep athletes safe ahead of temperatures in the 100s expected for Saturday and Sunday, KOIN reports.
Several events in the U.S. Track and Field Olympic trials have been rescheduled to earlier in the day to avoid the highest temperatures. Thursday and Friday events will remain on schedule.
David Hepburn, Portland State University’s Head Track and Field Coach, said that athletes typically prepare to race in extreme temperatures, but the forecasted heat wave was unexpected. Now the athletes are trying to reactively train to race in the extreme heat.
Hepburn said the athletes are staying in the shade and making sure to drink room temperature water instead of cold water, as it burns more energy.
To see the full U.S. Track and Field Olympic trials schedule, click here.