Athletes and Fans deal with Rain Delays at Universiade

KAZAN – A number of sports were delayed and canceled Monday July 8th due to rain at the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia.

The affect of a cancelation or delay on competing athletes who eat, sleep and warm-up for a specific time can often be detrimental to their performances physically and mentally.

But it’s something common in outdoor sports like beach volleyball which was delayed for over an hour, tennis which was cancelled for the day and athletics that got rained on all night.

“It really gets to you,” said Canadian hurdler, Matthew Brisson, who competes on Thursday and is hoping for sun. “You just try and relax but stay loose and warm.”

Canadian women’s volleyball player Shanice Marcelle says playing in the rain changes everything about the sport both physically and mentally.

“Physically playing in the rain makes the ball heavier so you have to make those adjustments to the ball much quicker to be precise,” she said. “As an athlete it means you have to be very adaptable to all conditions.”

While players wait and try to stay focused on their matches, their fans and supporters are forced to wait in the rain too. About 25 Russian fans waited over an hour at the women’s beach volleyball match today because the game was delayed. The Russians didn’t let the weather get them down, they waved their flags proudly and stayed loud and excited the whole time.

The raindrops poured down and the Russian fans waited patiently, finding whatever shelter they could in order to not miss the upcoming games. No matter what the weather, fans are always there to cheer on the athletes in this Universiade.

Sports fans love their sports.

Kelcey Wright/FISU Young Reporter (CAN)