Pandemic, politics resulting in lower interest in Olympics: poll

The pandemic and politics are driving down interest in the Olympics in the U.S., according to a Monmouth University Poll.

Overall, the poll found 36 percent of Americans were less interested in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics than past Games.

Out of the 36 percent who were less interested, 30 percent said it was due to the pandemic and 34 percent said it was due to politics.

Fifty-one percent of those who said their interest dropped due to the pandemic were Democrats and 51 percent who said their interest dropped due to politics were Republicans.

The Olympics are being held as the delta variant is causing cases to rise around the world, with 43 percent saying it is somewhat likely for there to be a coronavirus outbreak due to the Games.

Although 55 percent believed it was a good idea to hold the Games, debate raged for months over whether it was safe to hold them and whether they should be canceled.

The Games have also become a platform for athletes to share their social or political beliefs, a move that is unpopular among many Republicans.

“The Olympic spirit is a bit dampened this year. The delay from last year and lack of spectators have taken the edge off the typical anticipation and excitement for this event. But the emergence of Black Lives Matter in the sports world has also led to a backlash among some Americans,” Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute, said. 

Other factors may also be in play. 

Many of the events shown in prime time in the United States are prerecorded, meaning people in the United States know the results of some events, such as the women’s gymnastics final, which could cut into the interest.

U.S. star gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the team competition and will not participate in the individual all-around competition, which could also cut into interest in the U.S. 

The poll was conducted between July 21 and July 26. There were 804 U.S. adults surveyed with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.