REACTION
"It's a lack of respect." A great favorite of the 50km walk of the World Athletics Championships in Qatar, Yohann Diniz is exasperated by the extreme weather conditions that overwhelm athletes in Doha, where the thermometer should exceed 30 degrees with very high humidity. And the tricolor walker did not fail to let him know. "We are mistaken for clowns," he complained to the microphone of Europe 1.
REPORT - "Like a pizza in an oven": extreme heat for the World Championships in Doha
"What am I doing here?" Wondered the world record holder when he arrived in Qatar. Given the very high temperatures, the organizers have scheduled the start of the race at 23:30 local. But even at this late hour, temperatures will remain very high and the humidity level could reach 75%. What to worry the titleholder. "I really prepared myself for this event, but finally, when I arrive, I wonder what it's like to be as prepared as a guinea pig or circus games," he says.
"I will not take risks"
"For non-stadium disciplines, I really feel like we're mistaken for clowns," he says, while athletes competing in the Khalifa stadium will be able to benefit from air-conditioning. in place by the organization. "For us, it's really a lack of respect," says Yoann Diniz, who says "understand" the athletes who decided to skip the competition. And, on the eve of his race on Saturday, while the French delegation is counting on him to bring home a first gold medal, he warns: "I will not take risks, it's clear".