Australian Athletes To Be Removed From Paris Olympic Village … – SwimSwam

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has come under heavy criticism in recent days over the decision to remove its competitors from the Athletes Village at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games once theyre done competing.

The new restrictions will still allow the athletes to be in Paris after theyre done competing, just not in the Village.

The AOC claims the move was made in order to prevent distractions from the athletes who still have to compete and points to the teams results in Tokyowhen such restrictions were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemicas the reasoning behind the decision.

The learnings from Tokyo were absolutely positive that for the athletes who are competing in the second week, reducing the load on the village by athletes who have finished was positive for both their preparation and their health, saidMatt Carroll, the chief executive of the AOC.

The swimming competition in Paris will take place during the first week of the Games, as is the norm. The new rules will require competitors to leave the Village within 48 hours of their event finishing.

We want all of the athletes to be able to perform at their best, whether they have a medal chance or not, so it doesnt matter what sport youre in. This is about performance. Its not for the wowsers, were actually doing it for the athletes who are still competing, said Carroll.

As expected, this decision has been met with plenty of backlash, with many claiming that being around the village and celebrating once youre done competing is an integral part of the Olympic experience.

Among those being outspoken is James Magnussen, a two-time Australian Olympian and three-time medalist who says the move reduces the Olympics from being the most prestigious event of an athletes career to just another competition.

As an athlete who has competed at two Olympics, I strongly believe that everyone who makes the Australian team in Paris deserves to have the full Olympic experience, Magnussen wrote for the Herald Sun.

That includes staying in the village for the closing ceremony and supporting their teammates.

Being an Olympian is not just about winning medals. It is a rare achievement that deserves to be properly celebrated no matter what result they achieve.

Most athletes only ever get to one Olympic Games, so just making the team is the reward for a lifetime of hard work. They should be allowed to soak up every moment. Sending them home early just makes no sense.

Three-time Olympic medalistGiaan Rooney echoed that sentiment.

I think its a real shame because for most people this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Rooney told News Corp. Because alcohol is banned in the village any parties all take place outside the village, but theres already plenty of noise and distraction because people are coming and going all the time.

But thats all part of the Olympic experience and its actually inspiring to see people walk around the village who have won medals. It gives everyone a lift. a lot of the best memories I have are of getting dressed up and going and supporting my teammates.

Ken Wallace, a former Olympian and the deputy chair of the Athletes Commission, said that while the athletes voices were heard, he ultimately believes this is the best decision from a performance standpoint.

I agree that being in the Olympic Village is a part of the whole Olympic Games experience but I dont agree that it should outweigh performance, Wallace said.

We all love a good larrikin (an Australian term for a boisterous, young person), but we also want to be a respectful team.

So while they may be kicked out of the village, theyre not being kicked out of Paris or being kicked out of the Olympic environment.

They can still go see other events and still be a part of that Olympic experience but we want to give every athlete that performance outcome and opportunity to compete at their very best without having any distractions around them.

Amidst the COVID-19 restrictions, Australia won 17 gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, tying their highest ever (also winning 17 in 2004), and claimed 46 total medals to tie their third-highest tally ever.