International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Start Slideshow
Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles
Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Ariarne Titmus (Swimming, Australia)

Ariarne Titmus (Swimming, Australia)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

I have no idea how to swim.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Lucca Mesinas (Surfing, Peru)

Lucca Mesinas (Surfing, Peru)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“My biggest challenge will be getting my surfboard through customs. Do I check it? And is there an extra fee? Can someone help me out here?”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Hideki Matsuyama (Golf, Japan)

Hideki Matsuyama (Golf, Japan)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“The course is, like, a 7-minute drive from my house, but they’re still making me stay at the Olympic Village. Like, what the fuck?”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Aleksandr Vlasov (Cyclist, Russia)

Aleksandr Vlasov (Cyclist, Russia)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“I gotta make sure no one knows I’m doping.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Shi Tingmao, (Diving, China)

Shi Tingmao, (Diving, China)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

Making sure the judges look up from their phones for five goddamn seconds, so you don’t have to do the dive twice.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Dan MacLelland (Bowling, Canada)

Dan MacLelland (Bowling, Canada)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“Deciding whether I want to be on a Wheaties box or the new face of Versace.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Badminton, Indonesia)

Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Badminton, Indonesia)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

The obstacles one faces playing badminton are huge. I—why are you laughing? Please stop. See, this is just one example.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Portia Woodman (Rugby, New Zealand)

Portia Woodman (Rugby, New Zealand)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“I gotta remember to wear my mouthguard during these rugby games. I’m already on my fourth set of teeth, and they are starting to get expensive.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Tom Daley (Diving, England)

Tom Daley (Diving, England)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

Representing England. It’s just not a country you can feel good about.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Santiago Lange (Sailing, Argentina)

Santiago Lange (Sailing, Argentina)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“The biggest thing I need to remember is to check for stowaways on my sailboat before heading out onto the water. They can really slow you down.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Mo Farah (Great Britain, Track and Field)

Mo Farah (Great Britain, Track and Field)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“I brought 17 Yorkshire puddings in my suitcase, but I’m scared it’s not going to be enough.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Uta Abe (Judo, Japan)

Uta Abe (Judo, Japan)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“My obstacle is lasting two weeks without dying of utter fucking embarrassment at this shitshow my country insists on putting on.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Wang Jianjiahe (China, Swimming)

Wang Jianjiahe (China, Swimming)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

It’s definitely a cultural adjustment meeting athletes from countries like Japan and the U.S. who believe that they’re free, and just being like, ‘Buddy, who’s gonna tell them?’”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Oksana Chusovitina (Gymnastics, Russia)

Oksana Chusovitina (Gymnastics, Russia)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“My biggest challenge will be finding some real matcha in Japan. I’m not talking about that overpriced fake shit they sell to tourists. I want the real deal—the stuff they use in ceremonies. Oh, and I also want to do well in my events, I guess.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Danuta Kozák (Hungary, Canoe Sprint)

Danuta Kozák (Hungary, Canoe Sprint)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

I must fight the constant urge to go nice and slow in the canoe and take in the scenery. Here’s the thing: if you try to enjoy the scenery, you will lose. Yet how much beauty have I passed by and not even noticed it, focused as I am on paddling fast?”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Ashleigh Barty (Tennis, Australia)

Ashleigh Barty (Tennis, Australia)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“Making sure they have blue Gatorade for me. I won’t drink that nasty yellow shit.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Camryn Rogers (Hammer Throw, Canada)

Camryn Rogers (Hammer Throw, Canada)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“I always have to remind myself that my job is to throw the hammer and not get too attached to it.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Stephanie Gilmore (Australia, Surfing)

Stephanie Gilmore (Australia, Surfing)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“If I don’t medal, I’m not going to sell any copies of my book. And if I don’t sell my book, I’m not going to have anywhere to park my car, because there are currently 30,000 self-published copies of my book sitting in the garage.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Dame Valerie Adams (Shot Put, New Zealand)

Dame Valerie Adams (Shot Put, New Zealand)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“Remembering all the words to the Shot Putter’s Incantation.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Badminton, India)

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Badminton, India)

Image for article titled International Olympians Describe Their Biggest Obstacles

“Every time I try to play badminton, someone puts a 20-foot net in my way.”

Advertisement