Rick shares his tale of enduring the 'worst run of his life', sparking laughter from Sarah and Andy. They relive the thrill of Noah Lyles' stunning photo finish in the Men's 100m Final. A lively debate ensues on whether safety pins and race bibs are relics of the past or still relevant today. The trio dives into the quirks of race day rituals, revealing humorous personal anecdotes. With a mix of insight and banter, they capture the excitement and camaraderie of running in Olympic Paris.
Rick's worst run in Paris highlighted the challenges of navigating the city during busy events like the Olympics.
The podcast delved into the critical mental health issues athletes face, particularly due to social media pressures and public scrutiny.
Deep dives
Rick's Challenging Run Experience
Running through Paris can be delightful, but Rick's experience on their recent run was far from enjoyable. He struggled with the heat and the crowded conditions during a one-hour challenge that ended up taking him three hours to complete. The challenge, which involved running as far as possible in one direction, was complicated by a cycling race that shut down many routes, aggravating his experience. This arduous journey left him needing to decompress with a lengthy café visit afterwards, detailing the struggle to navigate through Paris’s scenic yet demanding streets.
Exploring Olympic Spirit in Paris
Despite the challenges of running, the excitement of the ongoing Olympics infused a unique atmosphere throughout Paris. The atmosphere was particularly vibrant near iconic venues like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, which were not only beautiful but also filled with Olympic-related festivities. Many locations, such as bars and cafes, were engagingly participating by displaying Olympic events, suggesting that even those without tickets could immerse themselves in the excitement. The hosts noted that this visit to Paris felt particularly special, as the city was lively but not overwhelmingly crowded, enhancing the overall experience.
Athletic Performances Under New Rules
The podcast highlighted a significant change in the Olympic format with the introduction of a new repertory system that allows athletes a second chance if knocked out in early heats. This was illustrated with the experience of Freddie Kristensen, a prominent hurdler who, while competing, felt discomfort during his heat and chose to run conservatively to save himself for the repashage. The discussion shifted to how athletes strategized during heats compared to finals, noting that in semi-finals, some runners might opt for more cautious tactics as their qualification is assured. This evolution in competition format sparked insightful conversations about athlete psychology and strategy during the Games.
Importance of Athlete Wellbeing on Social Media
The podcast emphasized the critical issue of mental health for athletes, particularly in light of social media pressures. A recent example was shared regarding Commonwealth champion Olly Hoare, who felt the weight of negative comments after not performing well, leading him to delete his social media accounts. The discussion reflected on the need for brands like ASICs to implement protective measures for athletes against online abuse, acknowledging that social media can sometimes amplify stress rather than provide relief. There was a strong advocacy for athlete wellbeing, recognizing that the scrutiny they face can have lasting impacts on their mental health and performance.
Welcome to day trois of 10 Days In Paris with Andy, Rick and Sarah.
In day 3, Rick relives the "worst run of his life", much to the amusement of Andy and Sarah. The team recaps an exhilarating day of athletics, including Noah Lyles' incredible photo finish in the Men's 100m Final. They also debate whether safety pins and race bibs are outdated or if they're here to stay.
Stay tuned for some science and a lot of banter. Let the games begin!
Supported by ASICS.
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