By Michael Jones
Don’t tell Australian water polo goalkeeper Gabi Palm that competing at the Olympics during a global pandemic means less than previous Games.
If anything, success at Tokyo will be even more special.
Like Olympic hopefuls all over the world, the third-year Bachelor of Psychological Science student has been on an emotional rollercoaster since the Games were postponed due to global COVID-19 outbreaks in March last year.
Palm was on the cusp of her debut Olympic selection before the decision was made to delay the Games and had to wait another 12 months before realising her dream.
After finally being named in the Stingers squad in May, Palm is now one step closer to Olympic glory – although she will be performing without her family and friends in the grandstands after officials announced the Games will go ahead with limited crowds.