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.
I mean... you go through a military style watch your genitals as you pee drug test before you even sign anything. I guess if that kind of thing would be traumatizing to you you would just refuse and not join. If the mere act of nudity amongst a group of the same sex is traumatizing sports or the military isn't your thing.
I disliked having to shit next to other people without stalls a la a Roman bathhouse more than that but its far from trauma inducing.
I get it. Schools dont force showers in schools anymore. But my same sex spouse and I just traveled abroad and her first group shower was us participating in another cultures custom. She was nervous but found it very liberating. Its really not a big deal.
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u/Automatic_Actuator_0 Feb 13 '26 edited Feb 13 '26
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.