The Olympics in Paris are fast approaching, and for some the run-up has presented challenges.
Among other things, there has been trouble for medal hopefuls Eleanor Patterson and Brandon Starc.
The high jumpers have been forced out of the country in many ways. And the reason arouses reactions.
According to the Olympic hopefuls, the school carnival will have taken over the facilities they usually train at in Sydney (Australia).
Or at least parts of it.
WC GOLD: Australian Eleanor Patterson won gold in Eugene during the World Championships. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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– Tough
The festivities mean that the athletes do not get to train regularly, which in turn has forced them to move.
– We don’t get access to a track in Sydney during the day, so it’s quite tough in many ways, says Patterson to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Among other things, Patterson can point to a WC gold from the championship in Eugene in 2022.
– We want to keep a normal routine, but school carnivals tend to take up space, she continues.
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– Too bad
Her colleague Brandon Starc – who, among other things, can point to two Olympic participations in the past – is also listed.
– It’s still quite annoying. It doesn’t seem like anything is actually happening, which is a shame. You would think that top sport is a big priority in Australia, he says.
The two are now scheduled to move to Japan to find a suitable alternative and get regular track time before the Olympics in Paris.
A spokesperson from the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Center (SOPAC) reports that the sports facility is one of the busiest in Australia.
– Although challenging, we strive to balance the needs of society, students and athletes at all levels of the sport.
