Professional Athletes, Individual Sports

Depending on the setting of the sport (indoors or outdoors) and the rules, athletes compete in many different conditions. Outdoor track-and-field athletes often compete in hot or rainy conditions, but organizing officials can call off the meet at any point, or postpone competition until better weather. Indoor events are less subject to cancellation; however, since it is in the best interests of an organization not to risk the athletes' health, any condition that might adversely affect the outcome of a competition is usually reason enough to cancel or postpone it. In addition, an athlete may withdraw from competition if he or she is injured or ill.