Australia's Olympians will be offered an unprecedented level of mental-health support during a pressure-laden stint in biosecurity bubbles.
The COVID-19 pandemic has understandably dominated planning discussions for Tokyo 2021, at both the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Preparing for sapping conditions at what is set to be the most heat oppressive Olympics has - and will continue to be - vital for athletes.
But managing the highs, lows and post-Olympic comedown also looms as an obvious concern, especially given the uniquely restrictive nature of a Games in which there will far less fanfare and fun.
There has already been 206 referrals to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) mental health network this year, with two thirds being current athletes.
It comes after a disruptive 2020 full of uncertainty about the Tokyo Games, while international and interstate border closures continue to create issues for athletes.
"The various pressures of Covid are going to bring mental-health pressures," David Hughes, the chief medical officer for both the AIS and Australia's Tokyo 2021 contingent, said.
"There is more mental-health support around this Games than any other Games we've had.
"Every athlete and official will have access to on-the-ground psychology services, online psychology services if they've got an existing relationship with a psychologist.
"We'll have emergency mental-health care support structures.
"That's already in place at the moment, people can call on those services right now, through the Games and quarantine period."
Mental health advocate and Opals captain Jenna O'Hea admitted that 2020 had been a "s***show* as Olympians went through a rollercoaster of emotions.
"It's been a difficult 15 months," O'Hea said.
"My team can come to me with concerns if they don't feel comfortable.
"Open and honest conversations are really important. People are willing to help if you ask for help."
Australia's pre-Olympic camps will essentially thrust athletes into lockdown.
The measures are designed to ensure that no member of the contingent arrives in Tokyo with the coronavirus, as was the recent case with a coach in Uganda's travelling party.
Marching in the opening ceremony will be a luxury for a "small number", according to Australia's chef de mission Ian Chesterman, but local organisers are still finalising details.
Australians will spend a fortnight in hotel quarantine after competition, which Hughes noted will be a testing stint given the "emotional let-down" that comes regardless of performance.
"They've been under this constant pressure and preparation for four or eight years," he said.
"We're always cautious with athletes and officials after an Olympics but particularly for this Games, when they're coming back to quarantine.
"We're making sure we stay in touch ... we've got a whole range of measures in place that athletes and officials can opt into it (while quarantining)."
Australian Associated Press
