The Road to Tokyo 2020: Athletes’ Dreams vs. Crisis Reality
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How did elite athletes manage the unprecedented postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic? What role did national and international sports organizations play in this process? These questions are addressed in a new study by Dr. Hee Jung Hong (University of Stirling) and Dr. Grzegorz Botwina (University of Warsaw), President of the Institute for Sport Governance, published in Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research.
Study Objective
The aim of the study was to understand how high-performance athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games coped with the challenges resulting from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to postpone the Games, and from the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors focused not only on individual coping strategies employed during this unprecedented period but also on the broader social and sporting contexts that shaped athletes’ experiences.
A key element of the research was the evaluation of the organizational support provided by sports governing bodies, such as National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs), during this exceptionally difficult and demanding time.
Methodology
The study utilized semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 elite athletes from Poland, Portugal, and South Korea. The participants represented various Olympic disciplines, including athletics, swimming, and taekwondo. Some had already qualified for the Tokyo Games, while others were preparing for the qualification process.
The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which enabled the researchers to identify both common patterns and individual differences in the athletes’ experiences.
Key Findings
By examining the direct and practical impact of the Games’ postponement and the COVID-19 pandemic on elite athletes, the study provides empirical evidence of their needs.
Individual coping strategies in crisis situations:
Athletes demonstrated strong psychological resilience, employing strategies such as setting short-term goals, maintaining daily routines, and practicing emotional self-awareness. Many viewed the crisis as an opportunity for personal development, recovery, or work outside the realm of sport.
Organizational support:
Marked differences were observed between countries. Portuguese athletes described their NOC and federation support as effective, citing good communication and financial stability. In Poland and South Korea, athletes reported limited information and restricted access to psychological support. Athletes emphasized that emotional and psychological support from sports organizations is just as important as material assistance.
Social support networks:
Coaches, families, partners, and close friends played a crucial role as sources of motivation and emotional security. Strong interpersonal relationships helped athletes function during times of uncertainty and restriction.
Practical Implications for Sport Governance
The findings of the study are highly relevant to the management of sport in times of crisis. The authors stress that:
- Sports organizations (NOCs and NGBs) should develop structured psychological support systems for athletes—available not only in response to crises but as a long-term foundation.
- Communication with athletes must be regular, transparent, and empathetic, particularly during periods of high uncertainty.
- Coherent support systems—psychological, financial, and informational—greatly improve the chances that athletes will maintain high levels of performance and preparedness, even during global crises.
This study offers a rare and valuable opportunity to view the Olympic Games through the lens of athletes themselves—their emotions, challenges, and needs in times of crisis. It demonstrates the importance of psychological support, effective communication, and the recognition that athletic success begins not only on the field of play but also within the organizational frameworks that support it.
We strongly encourage you to read the full article—an essential resource for anyone who cares about the future of high-performance sport.
Publication Details
Title: Postponed Olympic Dreams: High-Performance Athletes’ Experience in Coping with Postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Authors: Dr. Hee Jung Hong (University of Stirling), Dr. Grzegorz Botwina (University of Warsaw)
Journal: Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research, 2025, vol. 109
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0015
