British athletes have been advised to skip the Winter Olympics opening ceremony over health fears caused by the deep freeze gripping Pyeongchang.
It is expected to be the coldest Games since Lillehammer in 1994, with temperatures currently beneath freezing in the daytime and dropping as low as -21 Celsius at night.
With the three-hour ceremony at the roofless Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium not due to start until 8pm local time, there are growing concerns over the health of the 35,000 fans and athletes attending.
There are fears freezing weather could impact Pyeongchang 2018’s opening ceremony
British team bosses have taken the step of advising their athletes not to turn up if they are due to compete within 48 hours.
Organisers, meanwhile, admitted on Tuesday that some supporters have even handed back their tickets, which comes on the back of Saturday’s rehearsal when the cold was so severe that audiences walked out halfway through.
‘Some have cancelled their ticket for the opening ceremony,’ said Pyeongchang 2018 president Lee Hee-beom, who confirmed they would be distributing hot packs, seatwarmers, blankets and hats in a bid to tackle the freeze.
‘I heard some people aren’t coming here because of the cold weather, but I want to tell you we’ve prepared thoroughly for that. Don’t worry.’
There have also been concerns that strong winds could wreak havoc with the opening events, with ski jumping qualification scheduled for Thursday. Wind screens are being added to the venue.
The Winter Games are expected to be the coldest since Lillehammer in 1994
Lee added: ‘Regarding the potential of the delay due to the weather, the International Olympic Committee and the international federation have strict rules, for example, ski jumping can not take place if there’s a strong wind.
‘We are now installing wind screens at the venue. Despite our efforts and if there is a strong wind, the event can be delayed but the decision won’t be made by me, it will be made by IOC and the federation.’
The issues comes at a time when organisers are desperately attempting to contain a norovirus outbreak, having witnessed the problems it caused at the World Athletics Championships in London last August.
Around 1,200 private security staff have been taken off duty and replaced with military personnel after 41 people complained of sickness.
‘As a president of Pocog [the organising committee], I would like to apologise for this,’ Lee said. ‘Our disease control centre and other related government agencies here are now discussing countermeasures and will come up with proper measures and will be announced soon.’
Organisers claim the last-minute switch will have no impact on security at Games venues, with the event being held only 80km south of the border with North Korea.