The hard work starts now for our athletes with 19 days to go lining up for the biggest competition of their life.

Plenty has been written about the Zika virus. It’s a significant issue for the pregnant, or those aiming to be pregnant, but for most athletes, the effects are that of a regular flu.

And then there’s the issue of stomach bugs. A case in point is the one that cost Cate Campbell her place in the 100m freestyle in 2012 London Olympics and saw her quarantined from her teammates.

Illness and injury are the two biggest killers of performance in sports which could spoil four years of your preparation.

Any setback in an athlete’s preparation this close to the Games can cause mental and physical alarm.

The next 19 days will be crucial for our athletes to avoid meltdown before action begins.

The least we can ask them to do their best for King and Country. we wish all our future Olympians the best of luck.

Osea Bola

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj