With the Olympics being an exceptional spectacle to watch every 4 years, the sports community awaits to see the World’s best athletes. From Usain Bolt in track and field to Michael Phelps in the pool, the Olympics at Tokyo have seen the absence of these legends. As fans, we have now become used to Usain winning the treble and Michael winning 7-8 swimming medals every time. So, which are the prime athletes which are missing from the Olympics in 2020? Here’s a roundup: –
Simone Biles: –
The four-time Olympic Medalist at Tokyo, Simone Biles, is not present at Tokyo. After winning four golds in Floor Exercise, Vault, All-around, and Team Events at Rio, she caught the public eye. With her ability to flex on the mat, she had become more than an asset for the Americans. However, after the qualification events for Tokyo, she began to feel the pressure. And this was bound to happen!! With her impressing the nation in her debut Olympics, the expectations and stress due to them are bound to increase. Finally, Simone had to withdraw her name from the Olympics citing mental health reasons. She stated that her step was inspired by fellow athlete Naomi Osaka taking a break from the Tennis Grand Slams due to the same reason.
Michael Phelps: –
Another US star Michael Phelps and his romantic affair with the Olympic medals no longer exists. With a total of 28 medals, Michael is the most decorated Olympian of all time. After once announcing his retirement in the year 2014, Phelps had come back to prove that he still had some firepower left, to show to the world. 2016 Rio was his stage and he ended those Olympics with a total of 5 Golds and a Silver. He was also the flag bearer of the US contingent in that season of the Olympics. Michael’s presence and his delightful celebration at the podium are one thing we are genuinely missing this time around.
Usain Bolt: –
Usain Bolt and his marquee celebration after winning the 3 golds is absolute eye candy!!! But as a disciple of sports, we aren’t going to see this treat ever again!! The “World’s Fastest Man”, as he is called Usain is one of Jamaica’s most decorated athletes! The 10+ time 100m World Champion has announced retirement and hence is the reason for his absence at Tokyo. Bolt’s bright smile after getting the gold and his nonchalant nature is missed a lot in Tokyo. The trio of Bolt, Blake, and Powell were the real brothers of destruction, and their winning the 4*100m twice, justifies their stage name!!
To conclude, I would say that the absence of Legends gives opportunity to other Athletes to reach the hall of fame! Simone’s absence will allow Aliya Mustafina to come out with flying colors, isn’t it? And Bolt’s absence will permit other sprinters to show up at the World Stage!!