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Minjee Lee pulling a Federer—Is prioritizing health over competition the new winning strategy?

As the City of Light prepares to welcome the world’s top athletes, the 2024 Paris Olympics Games will be an unforgettable experience. For those vying for gold, the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds – not even when it comes to where they lay their heads at night. But, LPGA Tour professional Minjee Lee has chosen not to stay communal in the French capital.

In a pre-tournament press conference at the CPKC Open, Minjee Lee revealed her plans for the 2024 Paris Games. When asked what she’s looking forward to most after seeing content from the Olympic Village. The 28-year-old, as reported by ASAP sports, stated, “I’m not actually staying in the Village, but definitely will go and have a look.” Lee also cited that a lot of Australian athletes posted on social media showcasing their rooms, gym, and other facilities.

The 10x LPGA Tour champ already knows the Olympics course during the Dana Open, praising, “I actually went to play the course, so the course is in really great shape, and I think it’ll be a really great tournament venue for the Olympics.” She wants to maintain her routine and focus on her game. With numerous tickets sold for the Village, she is excited to see how the event unfolds. Moreover, her decision to forego Village life echoes a similar choice made by tennis legend Roger Federer during his Olympic appearances. 

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USA Today via Reuters

The constant attention from other athletes is what made Federer forfeit his decision during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he had said in an interview, “It is impossible really, there are so many athletes asking for photos and so on. It is not ideal to prepare.”

The tennis legend had chosen to forego the Village’s communal atmosphere in favor of a more personalized setup. Citing the need for focus and familiarity, he opted for a private residence during his Olympic campaigns. 

Similarly, Minjee Lee’s decision regarding her Paris Games accommodations has sparked interest. While the Village provides a chance to mingle with fellow athletes and soak in the Olympic spirit, Lee prioritizes her own routine and comfort to maintain peak performance. Now let’s dive deep into what a typical Olympic day is like within the Paris 2024 Olympic Village, which the LPGA Tour pro will miss.

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Golf siblings and the 2024 Olympic Village

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Minjee Lee pulling a Federer—Is prioritizing health over competition the new winning strategy?

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As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Lee is gearing up for a shot at gold in golf – and she’s not alone. Her brother Min Woo Lee, is also vying for a medal, making them the second set of siblings to compete for the top prize in the sport, after Americans Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While Lee has opted out of the Olympic Village experience, she’s joined by a familiar PGA Tour personality. But what makes the Village so appealing to most athletes?

For starters, the sprawling complex in northern Paris offers a unique blend of security, privacy, and camaraderie. Experience the ultimate Olympic stay with top-notch amenities at zero cost. The Village is the epicenter of athlete life during the Games, spanning three communes and 330,000 square meters of prime real estate.

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Yet, the 28-year-old has chosen a different path allowing her to focus on her game and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the Olympic chaos. 

What do you think of her decision to not join the Village? Let us get to know your thoughts in the comments section below.