American tennis star Serena Williams is a former Olympic gold medalist. But she might not participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Williams addressed her Olympic dilemma Monday ahead of the Italian Open, her first appearance since the Australian Open in February. She said she probably will not partake in the festivities in Tokyo if she is not permitted to bring her daughter, Olympia:
“I haven't spent 24 hours without [Olympia], so that kind of answers the question itself,” Serena Williams said, via the Daily Mail. “We're best friends.”
But Williams also acknowledged she simply hasn't thought much about the Olympics because of everything that has happened in the past year-plus:
“I think there are other reasons. I haven't really thought much about Tokyo, because it was supposed to be last year and now it's this year, and then there is this pandemic and there is so much to think about,” Williams said, via the Daily Mail. “Then there are the Grand Slams. It's just a lot.”
There is no telling whether Serena Williams or any other athletes will have the chance to display their excellence in Tokyo, anyway.
The Japanese government has extended a state of emergency due to a rise in cases of COVID-19. Health officials are concerned another wave could hit the country, just months before the Tokyo Olympics are slated to begin.
The above would seem to suggest travel restrictions will be airtight, meaning Williams might not be permitted to bring Olympia. That could result in the 2012 gold medalist skipping out.
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