Tokyo Olympics marathon and walks could be moved to Sapporo over heat fears

The marathon and race walks at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics could be moved from the Japanese capital to Sapporo where temperatures will be "significantly lower", the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The IOC is proposing the move because temperatures in Tokyo during the July 24-August 9 Games could reach into the high 30s Celsius.

In Sapporo, more than 800 kilometres (500 miles) further north, they would be five to six degrees cooler during the day.

"Athletes' health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns," IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement.

"The new far-reaching proposals to move the marathon and race walking events show how seriously we take such concerns.

"The Olympic Games are the platform where athletes can give 'once-in-a-lifetime' performances, and these measures ensure they have the conditions to give their best."
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