Why is the internet mad at an elite Indian Olympian for using the AC?

Priyanka Goswami is an accomplished Indian racewalker known for her dedication and achievements in the sport. The 28-year-old athlete from Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in her career, notably winning a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and another at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships.

Despite these impressive accolades (which includes her second appearance at the Olympics) Goswami has recently found herself at the centre of a social media storm — not for her performance on the track, but for a now-deleted video she posted showing her using an air conditioner in her accommodation.

Tough competition, somehow tougher critics

As per reports, the Indian government had sent 40 AC units to the Olympic Games Village after the country’s athletes had complained of discomfort. Paris had begun to suffer from a sudden rise in temperature and humidity, which had impaired the quality of sleep of many athletes. Goswami and other Indian Olympians had made reels celebrating the move.

However, social media platforms were quickly flooded with negative comments from disgruntled observers. Most of these were directed at Goswami, questioning her commitment and dedication to her sport. The criticism has been harsh, with some even blaming her less-than-stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics as an outcome of the decision to “make reels” instead of “focusing on the sport”.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Priyanka Goswami finished 41st in the women's 20km race walk with a time of 1:39:55, significantly behind her personal best and national record of 1:28:45 set in 2021. This was her second Olympic appearance, having previously finished 17th at Tokyo 2020. Many critics were “generous” enough to point out the regression in rankings over the past Olympics.
However, the fact that the 20km race walk is a demanding event that tests the limits of physical and mental endurance seemed to be lost on all of these faultfinders. Walking 20km in a single bout is challenging by itself; it is a whole other matter on the elite international stage. In racewalking, athletes have to maintain a rapid pace while adhering to strict technique rules, making it one of the most challenging disciplines in athletics.

Many also pointed out that Goswami had been training in Switzerland on “taxpayer’s money”. While this may certainly be true, considering how the athlete herself had posted reels of the same, barely anyone seemed to acknowledge the fact that this was part of Goswami’s training. Athletes often train at high altitudes to prepare for big events because the thinner air means there is less oxygen to deliver to their muscles. This forces their bodies to work harder, leading to more efficient workouts.

The struggles of race walking in India

Race walking is certainly not an established sport in India, often overshadowed by more popular disciplines like cricket, badminton, and other athletics. This lack of recognition translates into limited resources and support for athletes who choose to pursue it. In addition, race walkers in India frequently face uncertainties regarding training facilities, funding, and opportunities to compete on international stages.

Even in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian race walkers had to reportedly overcome significant hurdles, including confusion over the selection process, a lack of inadequate training infrastructure and limited exposure to high-level competitions. Despite these challenges, athletes like Priyanka Goswami remained committed to their sport, striving to make a mark on the international stage despite the odds stacked against them.
However, the combination of these factors has led to India struggling to make a significant impact in Olympic race walking events so far. The best performance to date was by KT Irfan, who finished 10th at the London 2012 Olympics with a time of 1:20:21. In the men's 20km race walk this year, Vikash Singh finished 30th with a time of 1:22:36, and Paramjeet Singh Bisht placed 37th with a time of 1:23:48. Akshdeep Singh, who holds the national record, did not finish the race due to an early exit this year.

Paris Olympics is already pretty TikTok-ified

It has become common for Olympians, even high-level ones, to make TikToks. The platform provides a way for athletes to share behind-the-scenes content, offering fans a glimpse into their lives at the Olympics. While many appreciate this transparency and the personal connection it fosters, there is some criticism. Detractors argue that making TikToks can distract athletes from their training and competition focus. However, supporters believe it humanises athletes and promotes their sports to a broader audience.
Several international athletes have embraced TikTok to share their Olympic experiences, with team USA gymnast Suni Lee, Australian diver Sam Fricker, and rugby player Ilona Maher being notable examples. These athletes have provided unseen content, from life in the Olympic Village to personal training routines and competition moments.

The backlash against Priyanka Goswami for using an air conditioner underscores the intense scrutiny athletes face, especially during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. While her performance may not have met expectations, the harsh criticism highlights the pressures and challenges faced by elite athletes.