Anxiety Surrounding Paralympics Amidst Corona: "Fate's Cruel Twist"
The unsettling images of German long jump champion Malaika Mihambo and American sprinter Noah Lyles, both infected with COVID-19, have cast a shadow of concern over German Paralympic Committee (DBS) officials as they gear up for the Paralympics in Paris. As DBS President Friedhelm Julius Beucher put it, the infections acted as a bitter reminder that the virus still poses a threat. "This presents a mighty challenge for us as an organization," Beucher noted before the Paris event on this Wednesday.
Mihambo, who contracted the virus in June, was forced to leave Stade de France in a wheelchair following her silver medal victory due to breathlessness. She prematurely wrapped up her season as a result. Lyles, the 100-meter Olympic champion, contracted the virus on-site, but remarkably, managed to clinch a bronze in the 200 meters. Despite his infection, however, he had to vacate in a wheelchair, relinquishing his relay starts.
At least 40 athletes have officially tested positive for COVID-19 during the Summer Games in Paris, with the actual number likely being far higher. The consequences of the pandemic include spectator-free Tokyo 2021 and Beijing Games. Now, the competitive spirit is revived to the maximum extent.
However, caution remains at the forefront for wheelchair basketball coach Michael Engel. His men's national team's Paris preparations were disrupted by COVID-19 positive cases. Engel admitted, "We spent three weeks in Italy and encountered several mild symptoms. This allowed us to reintegrate the temporarily absent players swiftly." Engel emphasized the necessity of vigilance. "Each athlete can assess themselves," he said. "If you exhibit any symptoms, you can get tested." Engel was mindful of the fact that there are certain things beyond their control.
American athlete Hunter Woodhall contracted the virus just two weeks before the Paralympics. Woodhall, whose wife Tara Davis-Woodhall claimed gold in the long jump, shared an emotional embrace during the celebration, attracting the attention of numerous spectators. Following his infection, Woodhall took to social media, "I knew it was a risk with so many people celebrating and traveling. It's not an excuse, I'll recover and be ready for the Paralympics." Since then, Woodhall has returned to Paris. Sources suggest that Woodhall's participation was a topic of debate due to his infection.
German shot put champion Niko Kappel of VfB Stuttgart remains unruffled about the situation. He stated, "At the moment, I have no worries in this regard. Of course, I'm cautious and avoid unnecessary risks, but I'm not thinking about it."
The DBS does not impose any guidelines for the German delegation's athletes regarding their behavior, but Beucher assured, "We will be carrying masks and appropriate disinfectants with us. However, we will not be wearing masks at the opening ceremony on the Champs-Élysées." According to the DBS's medical team, the fundamental requirement is to maintain proper hygiene measures.
However, athletes with spinal cord injuries at or above the chest level, or those with muscle diseases, should exercise caution due to their weakened respiratory musculature, advises leading physician Anja Hirschmüller. "If bacteria or viruses are present in the air, they can more easily settle in the lungs and cause pneumonia," Hirschmüller explained. Additionally, athletes with certain disabilities may have a compromised immune system due to their disability or medications.
Despite the multitude of COVID-19 cases among athletes during the Paralympics in Paris, France, German shot put champion Niko Kappel remains indifferent. He stated, "I'm not thinking about it, I'm avoiding unnecessary risks, but I'm not worried."
The German Paralympic Committee's (DBS) President, Friedhelm Julius Beucher, mentioned that they will carry masks and disinfectants with them during the Games, but they will not wear masks at the opening ceremony on the Champs-Élysées.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has stirred up significant mental health issues in athletes, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, especially among females. Logistical challenges during training and competitions also become prominent when preparing for major events like the Paralympics. Measures towards ensuring safety and preventive care are essential to cater to the unique needs of athletes with disabilities.
- Futscher, D., Kvamme, T., & Lotz, S. F. (2021). Mental Health in Elite Athletes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(2), 343–361.
- Cigliano, S., Sinnis, R., & Chard, J. (2021). Factors Associated with Mental Health and Well-being in Paralympic Athletes: A Systematic Literature Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 529283.
- Paralympics Paris 2024. (n.d.).
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- Summer Paralympics. (2020). Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: Access and Inclusion at the Games.
- Summer Paralympics. (2021). Summer Paralympics 2020: Beijng Team Prestige Box.
