The star of the WNBA Liz Cambage retired from the women’s Olympic basketball team Australia due to the anxiety he feels to live and compete within the restrictive ‘bubble’ established for Tokyo Games.
Cambage posted a statement on social media to say that the prospect of having no friends, family, the public, or any support system outside the team during the Olympics is “scary” for her.
“I’m withdrawing from the Olympics, I think it’s the best for the team and for me,” Cambage wrote. The pivot of Las Vegas Aces, 29, said that for the past month she had had panic attacks and difficulties sleeping and eating.
“By relying on daily medication to control my anxiety, it is not the place I want to be right now, especially entering competition on the largest sports arena in the world,” explained the Australian player.
Athletes will not be allowed to leave their accommodation or competition or training venues in Tokyo due to the increase in COVID-19 cases around the Japanese capital. Cambage, Olympic bronze in London’2012He stated that he needed to take care of himself “mentally and physically”.
Relying on daily medication to control my anxiety is not where I want to be right now
“Liz has made a great contribution to the Australian Olympic team during two Olympic Games campaigns. We respect his decision and wish him the best to regain his health, ”said Ian Chesterman, leader of the Australian Olympic delegation in Tokyo.
“One of my biggest dreams is to win an Olympic gold medal. All athletes competing in the Olympics should be at their mental and physical peak, and right now, I am a long way from where I want and need to be. It is no secret that I have struggled with my mental health in the past and recently I have been very concerned about the possibility of entering the Olympic ‘bubble’, ”said Cambage.