Tokyo’s intense heat could stymie Olympic plans.

The site of the Tokyo Olympics is still undergoing construction. Unfortunately, that combined with the intense power of the sun claimed the life of a 50-year-old construction worker who died Thursday.

According to organizers on Friday, the man was found unconscious after working outside. He was working on renovations at a convention center, which will serve as the media center for the Olympics next year.

Local media reports that heat stroke was suspected as the cause of death as Tokyo wrestles with a deadly heatwave.

“The heat is much worse in comparison to previous years. For workers working for an hour, companies should implement mandatory 10-minute breaks,” said one local resident.

The heatwave has claimed the lives of at least 57 people in Japan since late July – many of whom were elderly and living alone in Tokyo. More than 18,000 people have been taken to the hospital.

With just a year to go before Tokyo hosts the Olympics, it’s proving to be one of the biggest challenges for planners, highlighting a possible health threat to athletes and fans alike.

On the day the worker died, temperatures in Tokyo hit 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I also work in construction, and I think this heat is inevitable,” said another local resident.

When Tokyo first hosted the Olympics in 1964, the games were moved to October to avoid the summer heat. But today, because of international broadcasting and sports schedules, a later start to the games is no longer an option.