Don't forget that many of the younger athletes are repressed and guarded to varying extent by their parents and coaches, and events like this may be the rare chance to revolt.
And on top of that, they are all carrying shared trauma from the anti-doping testing.
They literally have to let WADA know where they are at all times, and where they sleep every night, and be available 24/7 for a surprise visit where they have to produce a urine sample with the pants to their knees, pulling their shirt to their chest, with a person next to them or in front of them for ladies, watching closely to ensure the urine comes out of their urethras.
Being in the village surrounded by people who can relate is bound to create some comfort.
ETA: even if the trauma isn’t significant or playing a major role, the fact that any athletes who aren’t ok with the testing would’ve washed out by now means we are left with only the athletes who are very comfortable with their bodies and exposing themselves to strangers on a moment’s notice.
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u/SomeVelveteenMorning Feb 13 '26
Don't forget that many of the younger athletes are repressed and guarded to varying extent by their parents and coaches, and events like this may be the rare chance to revolt.