Over the last few weeks, as the world suffered through the COVID-19 pandemic, there were growing tensions between the International Olympic Committee and various athlete groups, national governing bodies and nations. The tensions rose, as athletes no longer felt their preparation for the Games was feasible.
Gyms, pools, tracks, and training centers around the world were shut down. Athletes no longer had access to their doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists and chiropractors. Training groups suspended practice. With nations under complete lockdown, some athletes were unable to leave their homes, while others tried to continue their normal preparation and in doing so, put themselves and their communities at risk.