USA Swimming Stars Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel Unbothered by Absence of Fans at Tokyo Olympics 2021
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USA Swimming Stars Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel Unbothered by Absence of Fans at Tokyo Olympics 2021
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TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 25: People pass an advert for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on March 25, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. Following yesterdays announcement that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be postponed to 2021 because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, IOC officials have said they hope to confirm a new Olympics date as soon as possible. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
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TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 25: People pass an advert for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on March 25, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. Following yesterdays announcement that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be postponed to 2021 because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, IOC officials have said they hope to confirm a new Olympics date as soon as possible. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
With the Tokyo Olympics 2021 set to take place behind closed doors, the athletes remain focused on their goals. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Japanese government said that fans won’t be allowed to enter the venues.
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The spread of COVID-19 has taken a hit on Japan, as they took measures to prevent the spread of the virus, with this decision. However, Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel spoke about how they were focused on their events, and happy with the organizers.
Both these swimmers are set to shine in Tokyo amidst the ongoing pandemic. Ledecky spoke to the media about how they prepared for the games, despite being not sure, whether it would happen.
Ledecky to shine at Tokyo Olympics 2021
With Ledecky set to participate in many freestyle events, she hopes to win medals for her country and cement her legacy amongst the greats. Having won the gold medal in London 2012, the 15-year-old shocked the world back then.
The 800 and 1500-meter are her trademark events. By being the favorite in her swimming events, Ledecky looks to find her way back to winning ways. In a virtual press conference in Hawaii, Katie spoke about the prospects of going to Tokyo.
“I think even though we’re not having fans this summer, the world is still coming together – athletes and coaches and volunteers – everyone is getting together in this one city for the opportunity to pursue their goals that they’ve worked for five years.
“And I still think that’s a really beautiful thing. I know this is going to be kind of a made-for-TV Olympics,” said Ledecky.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 13: (BROADCAST – OUT) Swimmer, Katie Ledecky of the United States poses for a photo with her five medals on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
As the world is becoming revolutionized with work from home being employed by most of the companies, sports is changing as well. Most of the sporting events were behind closed doors for a year.
The government’s decision to schedule the event behind closed doors is a good decision because of the deadly virus. But Ledecky reassured that her focus remains the same; above all, to perform well in Tokyo.
Dressel focussed on winning in Tokyo
Likewise, Caeleb Dressel spoke about the safety precautions being taken by the athletes heading to Tokyo. Dressel is the favorite to win seven gold medals in this year’s Olympics and spoke about his faith in Team USA, for taking care of their athletes.
“Right now, the goal for everyone on this team is to swim fast. I fully trust Team USA, the staff, that they’re going to take care of us, that we’re going to be safe,” said Dressel.
Focusing on the events is key for the athletes as the other problems cause distraction. But team USA’s coaches reassured the athletes being focused as they were used to the situation.
Katie spoke about how she was excited to swim with other talented athletes, and that it would help the swimmers to be competitive.
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OMAHA, NEBRASKA – JUNE 20: Caeleb Dressel of the United States reacts after competing in the Men’s 50m freestyle final during Day Eight of the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at CHI Health Center on June 20, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Despite the Tokyo Olympics taking place behind closed doors, the swimmers remain focused on the task ahead. Fans are an important part of the sport and they make a big difference when they attend. To sum up, these athletes have trained for 5 years, and a pandemic will not take their determination away.
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