The US women’s fencing team faced a tough day at the Olympics as they lost all three of their bouts. The strain of a match-fixing scandal seemed to have taken a toll on the team, with CEO Phil Andrews warning of the emotional impact it could have on the athletes. The scandal centered around fencer Tatiana Nazlymov, who had been involved in a 13-hour arbitration hearing just a month prior over allegations of match-fixing to qualify for the Paris Games.
Nazlymov’s participation in the Olympics had been challenged by two other US fencers, leading to the suspension of referees Jacobo Morales and Brandon Romo. The pair were accused of conferring during a match that Nazlymov won at an Olympic qualifier in California. Despite USA Fencing clearing Nazlymov of any wrongdoing and stating there was no evidence of bout manipulation, the shadow of the scandal seemed to hang over the team.
The women’s individual Sabre round of 32 saw Nazlymov and her teammates Magda Skarbonkiewicz and Elizabeth Tartakovsky falter, perhaps under the weight of the controversy surrounding them. However, they were not the only athletes facing scandal at the Games, as Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde faced boos from the crowd due to his conviction for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2016. Van de Velde and his partner ultimately lost to Italy in three sets.
The events at the Olympics underscored the importance of maintaining a clear and focused mind for athletes to perform at their peak. The Chinese pair’s success in the 10m synchro diving competition highlighted the impact of mental strength on athletic performance, as they were able to compete in their own “pocket of air” and clinch the gold medal. As sports continue to be marred by scandals and controversies, it is crucial for athletes to block out distractions and stay focused on their goals.