Why Nadeem's Cold Weather Excuse for CWG Finish Is Going Viral — And What It Really Means
Pakistan's Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem recently attributed his ninth-place finish at the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow's cold weather, stating it stiffened his body and affected his run-up. This claim has sparked debate about the impact of environmental conditions on athletic performance. The incident highlights the challenges athletes face when competing in unfamiliar environments.
Nadeem blames cold weather for CWG poor show
Account to The Express Tribune, Nadeem said, 'I was expecting the temperature to be around 25°C but it was 10-12°C, which was quite cold for us. The cold weather stiffened my body, and I was not able to maintain my run-up, which affected my performance.' He added that the cold weather also affected his grip, making it difficult for him to hold the javelin tightly. Nadeem's statement has sparked debate about the impact of environmental conditions on athletic performance. According to reports, Nadeem's personal best throw of 89.65 meters was recorded at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. In contrast, his CWG performance was significantly lower at 83.95 meters.
The broader implications
The debate surrounding Nadeem's claim highlights the challenges athletes face when competing in unfamiliar environments. Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure can significantly impact an athlete's performance. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that high temperatures can lead to a decrease in athletic performance, particularly in events that require high-intensity efforts. In contrast, cold temperatures can cause muscle stiffness, which can affect an athlete's ability to maintain their run-up. The CWG incident also raises questions about the role of climate change in athletic performance. As the world's climate continues to change, athletes will face new challenges in adapting to different environmental conditions. This will require a shift in training strategies and techniques to account for the changing climate.
“Arshad Nadeem said, 'I was expecting the temperature to be around 25°C but it was 10-12°C, which was quite cold for us.'”
What we don't know yet
Despite the debate surrounding Nadeem's claim, there are still many unanswered questions. For instance, how will Nadeem adapt his training strategy to account for the cold weather during the next Commonwealth Games? Will other athletes face similar challenges in the future? The CWG incident also raises questions about the role of equipment and technology in mitigating the effects of environmental conditions on athletic performance. For example, could Nadeem have used specialized equipment to improve his grip in cold weather? The answers to these questions will only be revealed in time.
Key Takeaways
- Nadeem blames cold weather for CWG poor show
- Environmental conditions can significantly impact athletic performance
- Athletes will face new challenges in adapting to different environmental conditions due to climate change
- The role of equipment and technology in mitigating environmental conditions on athletic performance is unclear
- The Pakistan Olympic Committee and the IAAF will be monitoring the situation to determine the next steps
What to watch
In the coming weeks and months, the sports world will be watching closely to see how Nadeem adapts his training strategy to account for the cold weather. The Pakistan Olympic Committee will also be monitoring the situation to determine whether any changes need to be made to their training program. Additionally, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will be keeping a close eye on the situation to determine whether any changes need to be made to the rules governing athletic competitions in different environmental conditions.
The human body loses heat 5 times faster in cold water than in cold air, making aquatic events more challenging in cold climates.
The CWG incident has sparked a much-needed debate about the impact of environmental conditions on athletic performance. As the world's climate continues to change, athletes will face new challenges in adapting to different environmental conditions. By understanding the complexities of athletic performance and the role of environmental conditions, we can better support our athletes and ensure they are equipped to succeed in the face of adversity.

