Athletes at the last Summer Olympics remember the sadness and longing of competing with nearly no one in the stands, thanks to pandemic-era restrictions in Tokyo three years ago.
Not just zero spectators and eerily quiet stadiums, which were bad enough. Worse, perhaps? There were no parents or siblings. No lifelong pals or childhood coaches. The people who helped raise and shape Olympians and Paralympians. Who paid for the lessons and drove to the 5 a.m. practices or bought ice cream after a big win and wrapped a comforting arm around a slumped shoulder after a setback.
At the Paris Games, which begin this month, those folks can all join in for the ride, offering something that was missing the last time around: a support system that can help improve results, help get through the tough moments and help celebrate the best ones.
“I might be the only one on the start line, but I didn’t get there by myself at all," said Oksana Masters, who has earned 10 medals from four sports at Summer and Winter Paralympics. “So for them to be able to be there and experience it together, that’s that moment that I can’t wait for in Paris."