Will the 2020 Summer Olympics happen given the COVID-19 pandemic? It’s anyone’s guess at this point. However, we do know the impact the coronavirus threat is having on Olympic hopefuls around the world and especially those hoping to qualify for Team USA.
Gabe Gardner is a 2008 gold medalist in volleyball. His wife, Lauren Gardner, won bronze in synchronized swimming at the 2004 Games in Athens. The Gardners are still highly involved with their sports, offering mentoring to Olympic hopefuls.
In this "Dying to Ask," the Gardners explain how devastating the virus threat, self-quarantines and anxiety are to athletes who find their entire careers in a holding pattern. We talk about what athletes typically would be doing at this point in the Olympic qualification cycle. And, I ask them to place a bet on whether the International Olympic Committee will pull the plug on staging an Olympics this summer. Let’s just say the Gardners don’t agree on everything.
Oh, and Gabe issues an Olympic challenge to me and Domi, and I’m 100% in.