I don’t usually turn on the TV first thing in the morning. But I did this morning. I wanted to catch some of the opening ceremonies from Tokyo.
It was interesting, but different. With just under a thousand people in the stands, instead of the usual tens of thousand, it was quite a bit more subdued. It was interesting, but just didn’t seem to have the excitement we are used to at major sporting events.
It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks. Will the lack of people in the stands have an effect on performance? Hard to say, but it’s also hard to see how it won’t. Cheering crowds tend to inspire people to give that little extra. Run a little faster. Jump a little higher. The excitement of the crowd can be contagious.
On the other hand, these people have been waiting for this moment for five years. Hoping to just make it to the games. Then, hoping for that once in a lifetime performance when they get the chance.
I hope to be able to catch at least some of the games over the next couple weeks. Hopefully, all those athletes know that while there may not be people cheering in the stands, we will still be cheering them on from home.
Just getting there is a major accomplishment. I never have been good enough at anything to even get close, so I am impressed by those who are. And I will cheer them on from afar, and wish them all the best.
It’s a strange time to have such an event. It will be a different experience for them. But still one to remember for a lifetime.
