OLYMPIC UTAH

Utah Sports Psychologist: Pandemic, Lack Of Fans Add To Mental Pressure For Olympic Athletes

Jul 27, 2021, 8:29 PM | Updated: Jul 14, 2023, 1:32 pm

TOKYO  The Tokyo Olympic Games are definitely different, and we knew it had the potential to throw athletes off their normal routines.

Normally, they do a lot of mental training to block out all the noise, but even Simone Biles said Tuesday that competing in an empty arena created added stress.

The KSL Olympic crew spoke with a sports psychologist with Intermountain Healthcare before they left for Tokyo, who told them that adjusting to the quiet might not be as easy as it sounds.

The rings are a big part of any Olympics, and while that’s true for Tokyo, there is one element of these Games that will be noticeably missing.

No crowds could make things very different mentally for what some athletes are used to.

“I’d say mental aspect is even more important than the physical aspect,” said Tony KemmochiPsy. D., sports psychologist with Intermountain Healthcare.

Kemmochi has experience working with high-performance athletes.

He said empty stands could affect some of them, especially knowing it’s because of COVID.

“With some athletes, what if they had some kind of trauma related to COVID already? Maybe they had lost a loved one to COVID, stuff like that, right? That may trigger some of the loss they experienced in the past,” said Kemmochi.

And when an athlete is trying to live up to an image, Kemmochi said that’s where one can start to get in trouble mentally.

“Many people expect athletes to be strong and put together, and sometimes, athletes take that and internalize and feel like they just can’t be a human,” he said.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has made mental health a priority for its athletes.

Don’t be surprised if an athlete takes a little more time to prepare mentally before taking off.

Like with everyone the past year, they’re adjusting.

“I do hope athletes can learn how to express and let it out, but at the same time, you don’t have to overdo it to the point that you feel too thrown off,” said Kemmochi.

KSL’s Alex Cabrero talked to another Olympian — climber Kyra Condie from Salt Lake City — who said one of her biggest struggles would not be having her parents in Tokyo to cheer her on.

It’s still unclear tonight if Simone Biles will return for the individual event competitions, which start Wednesday in Tokyo.

KSL 5 TV Live

Olympic Utah

Photo: The Hoth...

Lindsay Aerts

Salt Lake City prepares for Olympics Future Host Commission visit

As part of the final steps for Utah to secure the bid to host the 2034 games, a key group of Olympic officials will visit Salt Lake City next month.

17 days ago

A biathlete practicing for the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center....

Alex Cabrero

Soldier Hollow hosts BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon

Biathletes across the globe are in Utah and are getting ready to compete in a world-class biathlon competition this weekend. 

22 days ago

A general view of downtown Salt Lake City at night during the Salt Lake Winter Olympics on February...

Alex Cabrero

21,000 hotel rooms committed for potential 2034 Olympics in SLC

There is something about staying in a hotel with a brand you've stayed at before.

2 months ago

Salt Lake City with the Olympic rings on the mountain...

Karah Brackin

Millions requested to attract MLB, NHL and Olympics to Utah

The Utah Sports Commission has requested $4 million from the state to attract and host national and international sporting events.

2 months ago

A climber works out in a gym....

Alex Cabrero

U.S. national climbers talk Olympic competition

U.S. national team climbers are ready for the Summer Paris Games.

2 months ago

FILE - The Utah Capitol is shown on March 3, 2023. Utah lawmakers have just five days left to pass ...

Lindsay Aerts

Salt Lake City and SL County mayors warn of fallout from 2 controversial bills

A bill to overhaul Diversity Equity and Inclusion offices is moving quickly through the legislature, along with a bill that assigns rules for transgender bathroom access.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Sports Psychologist: Pandemic, Lack Of Fans Add To Mental Pressure For Olympic Athletes