The Olympics: From An Athlete Perspective

The postponement of the 2020 Olympics left athletes heading into 2021 with real uncertainty — spring arrived and the Games' actual format, capacity and safety protocols were all still unclear.

Athletes have coped in different ways. Some train as though the Olympics will definitely happen; others have set alternative goals to stay motivated through the uncertainty. Distance runner Eilish McColgan, already a two-time Olympian, took the second approach: "my mums Scottish record over the 10,000m is my main goal."

Half-marathoner Jake Smith is staying Olympic-focused while managing a recent injury, targeting the 27:28 10,000m qualifying time with specific lap-pacing work. British 1500m champion George Mills has accepted how tough qualification is in his event and is instead chasing personal markers set with his coach.

Nike athlete Laura Weightman is staying locked on the Olympics regardless: "I am staying focused on the Olympics as if I loose focus what am I training for?" Different athletes, the same underlying question — how do you prepare for a Games that might not even happen the way you expect.