Artificial Cheering Noises, No Singing: Here’s What The Olympics In The New Normal Will Be Like
The IOC is working closely with professionals to assure the safety of the athletes.
Amid the pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics will push through today, July 23 through August 8, with even stricter protocols. The 2020 Summer Olympics has already been delayed for over a year so the organizers are making sure that the games will go on. Despite the heightening of COVID-19 cases in Japan, the organizers are continually adjusting and changing restrictions as the event approaches.
The International Olympic Committee has set rules and guides for athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics called The Playbook. It is stated here that the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee (Tokyo 2020), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Government of Japan are working closely together to make sure that this international affair proceeds as safe as possible. Other personnel also have their own version of The Playbook.
All athletes must strictly adhere to what is written in The Playbook whether they are staying in the Olympic Village or not. Some of the guidelines include:
Proper wearing of masks
All athletes and non-athletes must wear their masks properly at all times. They can only remove their masks when they are eating, drinking, sleeping, training, or competing.
Observe proper social distancing
Unnecessary interactions are prohibited with other people especially physical contact like hugs and handshakes. Maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters from each other is also advised. They are also only allowed to use official vehicles when traveling while following the Activity Plan handed out to them.
Test and trace
They are required to download a contact tracing app called Contact Confirming Application (COCOA) to successfully isolate when exposed to a COVID-19 positive case. They will also be regularly tested. Proof of negative tests should always be presented. Daily screenings will also be conducted so they can keep tabs on athletes who are not feeling well. Lastly, Isolation is very important when exposed to a positive case or when the athlete has any kind of symptom.
Think hygiene
Everyone should be considerate of others so proper personal hygiene is important. Regularly washing hands and disinfecting is encouraged. Supporting other athletes by clapping instead of singing, dancing, or chanting is also advised. They should also avoid sharing items or belongings.
No playing tourist
Athletes are also not allowed to play tourist. They are only supposed to stick to their Activity Plan. As stated in the playbook, they can only leave their accommodation to go to official Games venues and limited additional locations, as defined by the list of permitted destinations. Permitted destinations are those that are critical for the Games and will have COVID-19 countermeasures in place.
The final decision of ‘no spectators allowed’ has been announced on Monday, July 19. Initially there was an attempt to keep the crowd to a minimum, but the risks were just too high. In light of this, the IOC has prepared recorded cheering noises from previous Olympics games to mimic a crowd, and 6-second clips from fans and supporters of The Olympics. Old footage from past Olympic Games will also be played to hype the athletes up. Cardboard cut-outs and other paraphernalia as a show of support will also be set up in the venues.
One of the Australian delegates, Nick Kyrgios, actually pulled out of the Olympics because of the lack of support. “It’s been my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics,” Kyrgios tweeted. “But I also know myself. The thought of playing in front of empty stadiums just doesn’t sit right with me,” he shared.
Sports psychologist Karen Lo Cheuk-hang mentioned the importance of the presence of spectators. Lo says that cheering serves as motivation, and this can bring excitement to athletes and help boost their performance.
The director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Pierre Ducrey, himself knows and explains that the athletes will have a completely different experience. “There will be a number of constraints and conditions that the participants will have to respect and follow, which will have an impact on their experience, particularly when it comes to social aspects,” he said.
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— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 18, 2021
Six British athletes are also now being closely monitored while self-isolating after being in close contact with someone who tested positive. They all tested negative in the airport but were still advised to finish quarantine to adhere to health protocols.
Two athletes from the South Africa football team, Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi also tested positive days after arriving in Tokyo. They are under quarantine and are waiting to be cleared to train.
Watch the 2020 Tokyo Olympics live on free TV via TV5 and One Sports from July 23 to August 8, 2021. You can also watch the Olympic events through Cignal Play’s website and app.
