Cold weather could mean the difference between Olympic gold or silver
22 February 2010

Studies have shown that cold air can affect performance as it is known to trigger symptoms in many people with asthma. In fact 75% of people with asthma say that cold air makes their asthma worse – this could be the difference between Olympic gold or silver to an elite athlete. 

Half of cross-country skiers and one-quarter of aspiring winter Olympians in general have exercise-induced asthma, according to a 2000 study of 170 athletes conducted by the United States Olympic Committee.

We know that 20% of the British (Summer) Olympic Squad in 2004 had asthma, so we know this is a serious issue affecting a great many elite athletes.

Exercise-induced asthma and can affect children, adults, recreational sports players or elite athletes and symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest-tightness and difficulty in breathing.

There has been an increase in the number and percentage of athletes competing in Olympic Games notifying the use of Beta-2-Agonists (which relax and open up the airways), from 1.7% at Los Angeles (1984) to 5.5% at Sydney (2000).

Endurance sports are most likely to cause problems for people with exercise-induced asthma for example cross-country skiing. However with proper training and medication, people with exercise-induced asthma can take part in any sport they choose.

It is not known exactly how exercise triggers asthma but when people exercise they breathe faster. This makes it more difficult for the nose and upper airways to warm and add moisture to the air breathed in, resulting in the air being drier and colder than usual. It is thought that this cold, dry air in the airways triggers exercise-induced asthma.

Olympic Athletes with asthma
Rebecca Adlington – swimmer
Bradley Wiggins – cyclist
Liz Yelling – marathon runner
Jo Pavey – middle distance runner
Kathy Freeman – Australian Olympic sprinter
Karen Pickering – ex Olympic swimmer
Marlon Devonish – short distance runner