Ice Innovation: Experts Raise Concerns Over Excessive Use at Summer Olympic Games

Ice therapy has long been considered a remedy for various conditions , from menopause symptoms to arthritis and headaches . It is also widely used in sports for recovery after exercise . However , recent research has raised concerns about the lack of evidence - based clinical benefits of ice therapy and its negative impact on the environment.

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner , experts from France , Qatar , India , and Switzerland have highlighted the excessive use of ice at the Summer Olympic Games despite the lack of proven efficacy . They argue that the energy and water required to produce , store , and transport ice are harmful to the planet , not to mention the cost involved.

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics , about 22 tonnes of ice were delivered to competition venues for medical purposes , with an additional 42 tonnes provided in the Olympic Village . However , the ice requirements for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics are expected to be significantly higher , with initial estimates reaching 1,624 tonnes . Due to the inability of independent vendors to meet the demands , the revised estimate now stands at 650 tonnes.

Cold - water immersion , a form of cryotherapy , is a popular treatment at the Olympic Games . It accounted for approximately 10 % of prescribed treatments in Athens 2004 and London 2012 , rising to 44 % in Rio 2016 . Most immersions are for recovery purposes , while a small portion is for injury care.

While cold - water immersion is beneficial for treating heat exhaustion and muscle soreness , it may not be suitable for recovery between high - intensity training sessions or after resistance exercise . Experts suggest that ice usage at the Olympics has reached alarming levels , potentially straining local resources . Therefore , organizers should aim to minimize the use of non - evidence - based practices and promote sustainability in ice provision.

Dr. Paulina Kloskowska , a sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist , acknowledges concerns about the overuse of ice in elite sports . She emphasizes the emerging data that heat therapy may be more effective for long - term muscle recovery . Dr. Richard Budgett , the International Olympic Committee 's medical and scientific director , supports the study 's findings and suggests exploring alternatives to reduce ice consumption at future Games.

In conclusion , as the demand for ice therapy continues to rise in sports medicine , it is crucial to balance its benefits with environmental considerations . The upcoming Paris Olympics present an opportunity to reevaluate the use of ice and explore more sustainable practices for athlete recovery and injury management.