24/06/2026
David Richardson is a fitness trainer from the United Kingdom with 30 years of experience working with top sportspeople and elite athletes. He was one of the first fitness coaches in professional football, working for 26 seasons and travelling all over the world. He has also supported judo contestants at 2 Olympic games and worked closely with boxers. Most recently, he coached a top-tier Indian football club.
Amid a season of sporting events, including UEFA EURO 2024, the Olympics and Paralympics, David explains how athletes cope with the heat, and shares some tips for the public on how to stay hydrated as temperatures rise.
The importance of good hydration in the heat
“Every day, we lose water through sweating. This can range from 500 ml per day while resting in a cool environment to 10 litres per day during exercise in the heat. That is why games and big sporting events that take place in the middle of summer are hard on sportspeople,” says David.
Being dehydrated can affect flexibility, speed, endurance, muscle and mental function. It can also make you feel unwell.
“You don’t have to lose a lot of water for it to affect your performance. The reduction in performance levels due to dehydration can be massive across the whole team, in terms of physical performance plus slowed decision-making.” Continued in comments
