Explainer | Tokyo Olympics: 10 big names who will not be at 2020 Games
- Some of the biggest stars in sporting world will not be in Tokyo for variety of reasons – injury, failing to qualify, suspension or they just don’t want to go
- Top tennis and basketball players often skip the Olympics because they feel their own sports have more to offer in terms of personal glory
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will feature some of the best athletes in the world competing against each other in sport’s greatest show on earth. However, a number of elite names will be missing from the showpiece.
Like in past Games, some fan favourites will be absent for a variety of reasons – injury, failing to qualify, suspended or they simply don’t feel like competing.
Sports such as tennis and basketball often suffer the most because many of their competitors place more importance on their sport’s own competitions – such as Wimbledon or the NBA championships – than the Olympics.
Serena Williams (tennis)
One cannot accuse Williams of diminishing the importance of the Olympics. After all, she is a four-time gold medallist, last winning the women’s singles title at the 2012 London Games. However, she will not compete at a fifth Olympics, saying there are “a lot of reasons” behind her decision.