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Stifling Tokyo Heat, Humidity Create Even Tougher Conditions For Athletes

TOKYO — Florian Wellbrock won the men’s 10 km open water swim Thursday morning by defeating 25 humans and one other rival that was tougher than all the rest. “The temperature was the biggest competitor,” the German said.

Wednesday, in the women’s 10 km, conditions were similar. “We knew coming in that it was going to be pretty warm,” said American Haley Anderson, who finished sixth. “And, well, it is what it is.” Silver medalist Sharon van Rouwendaal said, “It was tough conditions at the end. It got warmer and warmer when we went faster and faster.”

How hot was the water in Tokyo Bay?