Williams Set to Skip 2021 Olympics, Says She’d Miss Her Daughter Too Much

Williams Set to Skip 2021 Olympics, Says She’d Miss Her Daughter Too Much

- Serena Williams is set to miss the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo this year, likely because she'd miss her three-year-old daughter, Olympia, too much

- The tennis champion also adds that the global pandemic has made it difficult to train for the games

- Williams will however still be playing in the French Open and Wimbledon this summer

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New moms often have some trouble separating from their children, even if they are world-famous tennis champions.

Serena Williams says she will likely not be participating in the Tokyo Olympics this year because she'd miss her adorable mini-me, Olympia, too much. She shared the news at a press conference in Rome this week.

Williams Set to Skip 2021 Olympics, Says She’d Miss Her Daughter Too Much
First-time mom Serena Williams couldn't bear to part with her beautiful daughter Olympia, 3. Images: @serenawilliams/Instagram
Source: Instagram

One look at the athlete's social media accounts and it's clear the pair are inseparable.

Williams often shares loveable snaps of precious moments with her daughter, like teaching the future tennis star how to hold a racket or moments the 'best-friends' spend playing dress-up.

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Asked whether she'd be ready for the Tokyo games, William mentioned her daughter in responding:

'I haven't spent 24 hours without her, so that kind of answers the question itself. We're best friends."

Williams added that a lack of certainty during this year's difficult pandemic has made it impossible to manage a consistent training schedule, making her appearance at the games unlikely.

However, the sports superstar will still play in the French Open and Wimbledon later this summer.

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Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported Serena Williams was a conspicuous loser during the Laureus Awards where sportsmen and women were recognised for their performances.

In the tennis code, players such as Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka picked up the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on Thursday night.

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On the other hand, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah was also recognised while Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton also bagged an accolade. The world’s number two, Nadal, secured his fourth Laureus Award as he was noticed for his 13th French Open, thus equalling his 20th major.

For Osaka, she was honoured for winning the US Open for the second time and now has four majors, making her a two-time Laureus winner. Nadal said:

“Winning the French Open and equalling the 20th Grand Slam of Roger Federer has been an unforgettable moment. It means a lot to equal my great rival, but at the same time, my great friend.”

The Japanese top tenner, Osaka, was recognised for her anti-racism stance, particularly at the US Open, where she wore face masks bearing the names of Black Americans who died as a result of police clashes or were victims of racial injustice.

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Osaka said:

“Regarding my activism on the court, I think it is important to use my voice because for me I feel like I often hold back a lot and worry about what people think of me, but you know if you have a platform it is very important you use it.”

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Naomi Kobbie avatar

Naomi Kobbie Naomi is an entertainment writer with 3 years experience in the world of radio and print media. She is a language graduate from the University of Pretoria (2020) and has worked for Briefly News since 2021. Naomi has a passion for the written word, whether through her work as a journalist or as a soulful singer. "When I'm not working, I spend my time producing music, travelling or snuggling up with a good movie and some butter popcorn."