I reckon the bubble of the Olympic village is having a big impact on athletes. They used to be able to go out and party after their events, but now they're not able to do that, for the first time in recent history.

I guess all the condoms they provided in the village will now be souvenirs! Happy memories!

There is no such thing as the "Olympic bubble". You can't miss the large increase in foreigners running around Shibuya and Roppoingi, even in places like Shinjuku late at night. These people aren't in quarantine and aren't socially distancing themselves.

I don’t think that they are used to party or to go out every evening at the games. The very most part of them only take part in one or two such Olympics, so they are usually not used to. They can give it all themselves back in their countries, where they’re much more used to. lol

The bubble village is very small compared to all the overseas visitors staying at precarious and undocumented venues all over Japan. As I mentioned before, go down to the surfing pavilion and check out the action.

And Japanese news keeps hiding identities and changing voices when interviewing hotel workers and others where so called extra help, media etc. are supposed to be staying but always out snd about site-seeing etc.

"referring to"

@snowymountainhell

I found the article you were referring too, that's very bad, should be more widely reported.

And, what of the smaller ‘bubbles’ inside the larger ‘bubble’, where ventilation & oxygen are wearing thin?

“Quarantined Dutch athletes demand fresh air” - Today, Jul 29, 2021

Agreed, in part, @zichi 8:11am:

“The Olympics have become an endurance test for ALL involved …”

The non-Japanese athletes have had to endure a lot more. This was never going to be a level-playing field with the Japanese not under any particular harsh restrictions, and given access to the best resources for practice. Sorry, but there is going to be a big asterisk next to the medal table. The games should never have taken place now.

Well, that's what happens when you hold an event that should never have been held.

Any athlete who was not aware of the extraordinary circumstances they would have to go through to waste their time competing here was being intentionally obtuse.

I have no sympathy for any of them.

These Olympics are a depressing saga on many levels, including this aspect.

MarkX

now don't go trying to flex your common sense on this weighty problem Mark, just leave it to *an expert in sports psychology and sports journalism*.....

I don't have a problem with Simone Biles deciding to pull out of the Games because of mental issues, but don't blame it on the bubble. Before competing most athletes are already in their own kind of bubble preparing. I don't think they are just focused on the partying that will go on afterwards, and if it doesn't happen they are crushed by it.