TOKYO’s weather has been a central theme to this Olympics but BMX racer Beth Shriever has found a unique way to replicate the intense heat. 

A hot bath every day has helped the 22-year-old adjust and it worked perfectly as she soared through to the semi-finals with two wins under the scorching midday sun. 

The rider from east London scored a combined five points from three races to top a six-woman heat but the track will only get busier from here.

Shriever is one of eight riders in the two-race semi-final, where she must finish in the top four if she's to contend for gold.

But the part-time teaching assistant insists she’s at the top of her game and preparation has been key.

“It is very hot, it is very different to what we are used to back in Manchester,” she said.

“But we prepared for it in the best way that we can, we have been doing heat chambers, I have been having hot baths everyday so I feel like I am prepared for it and just enjoying it really. 

“I am very very pleased with the start, I just wanted to take each race as it comes, give it everything I have got and I did that. 

“It has helped a lot today and shows what I am capable of, I just need to show the same mentality, the same process in my head and get some great results to go along with it.”  

Shriever matched her British teammate Kye Whyte, who also strolled through in the men’s competition. 

He finished second, third and fourth for a combined score of nine points from his three races to progress. 

“It was challenging, it was hot. The track is longer so it is more tiring but it has been a good day. I would have liked to have done better but it is good to get the nerves out of the way.   

“Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. 

“I know if I am in a bad position I can catch up. I know if I get a bad start, I can get into the top three and I know if I get a good start, I can win. All three races were different and had all of those scenarios.  

“Hopefully I can pull out a good start and make the final.”  

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