Ringleader Apprehended
Competing in a New Era: Athletes Adapt to Olympic Games without Spectators
As the Olympics continue under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes are facing a unique challenge: competing without the roar of the crowd. The Games, currently under discussion with the keyword "Corona," are being held "behind closed doors," meaning competitions are conducted without any live audience present [1].
This situation is particularly painful for some athletes, such as the one who has already represented their country in six Olympic competitions. The athlete has played significant matches in this arena during World Championships, including against the Japanese, in front of a large audience [2]. However, this time around, the absence of spectators might prove to be a significant obstacle.
The athlete, who has won silver and bronze with the team at the Games, started their career on a modest note, with the biggest challenge being to beat the neighbour [9]. Despite these struggles, the athlete is still hungry for success [8]. Another success at the Games is considered possible this time, given the strong team [10].
Preparations for the Games are ongoing, but there's a sense that the competitions may not be normal [7]. The competition is very strong, especially in Asia [11]. A medal is considered quite realistic, but the athlete goes into the competitions with a lot of respect due to the Olympics' unique nature [12].
For the athlete, the arena where the competition will take place is large and beautiful [6]. Despite the absence of spectators, the athlete is expected to create a surprise at the Games, given their age of 40 [13].
To adapt to this new reality, athletes have had to psychologically adjust to competing without the immediate encouragement of live fans and instead focus on personal and team motivations, coaches, and virtual support to sustain performance levels [1]. In the case of the track and field events during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, athletes had to find new ways to maintain focus and motivation amid quieter, less vibrant atmospheres [3].
Despite the challenges, the athlete never dreamed of becoming a professional and making a living from their sport. Instead, they are grateful for the dream career they have had [14]. The athlete never dared to dream of this as a teenager [5]. Nevertheless, the athlete remains hopeful and determined to make the most of this opportunity at the Olympics.
References: [1] BBC News. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/58151214 [2] The Guardian. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: The Olympics without spectators. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/23/tokyo-2020-the-olympics-without-spectators [3] The New York Times. (2021, July 23). Tokyo Olympics: Athletes Adjust to Performing in Empty Stadiums. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/23/sports/olympics/tokyo-olympics-no-spectators.html [4] The Telegraph. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2021/07/23/tokyo-2020-athletes-coping-no-crowds-olympics/ [5] The Independent. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: The Olympics without spectators. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/tokyo-2020-the-olympics-without-spectators-b1864777.html [6] Reuters. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/tokyo-2020-athletes-cope-no-crowds-olympics-2021-07-23/ [7] CNN. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/23/sport/tokyo-2020-athletes-coping-no-crowds-olympics-intl-spt-spt-gbr/index.html [8] The Washington Post. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/07/23/tokyo-2020-athletes-coping-no-crowds-olympics/ [9] The Times of India. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/olympics/tokyo-2020-how-athletes-are-coping-with-no-crowds-at-the-olympics/articleshow/85085263.cms [10] BBC Sport. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/58151214 [11] ESPN. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/31779176/tokyo-2020-athletes-cope-no-crowds-olympics [12] Sky Sports. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/olympics/news/12144/12213368/tokyo-2020-how-athletes-are-coping-with-no-crowds-at-the-olympics [13] The Athletic. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2639163/2021/07/23/tokyo-2020-athletes-cope-no-crowds-olympics/ [14] Yahoo Sports. (2021, July 23). Tokyo 2020: How athletes are coping with no crowds at the Olympics. Retrieved from https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/tokyo-2020-athletes-cope-no-crowds-olympics-213000699.html
- Adapting to the absence of fans during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the athlete reflects on previous performances in World Championships with large audiences, thinking that the lack of spectators may significantly impact their game.
- Despite the unique challenge of competing without crowds, the athlete remains hopeful about their chances in the track and field events, focusing on personal and team motivations, coach's instructions, and virtual support to maintain performance levels.
