Excitement Builds as Gymnasts Anticipate Spectator Return at Paris Olympics

Gymnasts returning to the Paris Olympics are excited about having spectators, including family and friends, after the audience-less Tokyo Games. Athletes like Alexa Moreno, Sarah Voss, and Max Whitlock highlight the importance of crowd energy and look forward to performing in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Gymnasts heading to the Paris Olympics are eagerly anticipating the return of spectators, family, and friends after competing in the empty arenas of the Tokyo Games. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced a spectator ban in Tokyo, significantly impacting athletes' experiences.

Mexico's Alexa Moreno, competing in her third Olympics, noted that while Tokyo felt like an Olympics, it lacked the electric atmosphere that only a live audience can provide. Similarly, German gymnast Sarah Voss reminisced about hearing every cough in the empty Tokyo venue and is thrilled about the energy fans bring.

U.S. men's high performance director Brett McClure, and athletes like Daiki Hashimoto and Max Whitlock, echo this excitement, emphasizing how spectators enhance the Olympic experience. Whitlock is particularly eager for his daughter Willow to watch him perform live in Paris.

(With inputs from agencies.)