The day was hosted by Sydney 2000 beach volleyball gold medallist, Kerri Pottharst and included seven-time surfing world champion Stephanie Gilmore, London 2012 Modern Pentathlete, Ed Fernon, and Olympic silver and bronze medallist, Jessica Fox. 

Each athlete shared the importance of having a supportive base back home and the benefits of being able to come together as an Australian Olympic community, during the Games. 

Fernon, who made an incredible comeback after deciding to retire post-London 2012 said that the support of family and friends is paramount to his success, so knowing they have a place to cheer him on together, will buoy him during the Games. 

“One of my fondest memories from London 2012 was having friends and family able to support me and celebrate with me after the competition,” he said. 

“Not being able to have that experience is a bit disappointing but having the live site venues means they can still come together as a group and cheer me on, which gives me a lot of comfort. It’s the second-best thing to being there in person.” 

Fernon’s wife, Pip, who is due to give birth to their third child in August said that although the news of having no spectators at Tokyo 2020 was difficult, it was something she expected, and it suited the family’s current situation. 

“To be honest, we could kind of see it coming [no spectators] and with two young children and another one on the way, Ed has been very good about taking our own health and safety into account as well,” she explained. 

“So, we made the call not to go over to Tokyo a little bit earlier, but we're really excited to be able to have a big group of family and friends all together in one big place, remotely. 

“I think it’s fantastic to have these live sites set up so friends and family can share the Olympic Spirit, I’ve watched many Olympics on the TV and had little Olympic parties so I imagine it will be just like that, but a lot bigger. 

“We’re so fortunate in Australia that we can have these kind of events, where we can still come together as a community.  

“Even though we won’t be there in person, it will still be very, very special to cheer Ed on back home and we can’t wait to have him back afterwards for a big party.” 

Fernon’s children, Xavier and Lachlan who are two and three years old, are looking forward to seeing their dad compete on the big screen and Fernon is just as excited to inspire his boys. 

“Xavier, my oldest, was going down the slide the other day and he said to me, ‘Look Daddy, I'm training for the Olympics,’” he laughed. 

“He has a limited understanding of what’s going on around Tokyo, but he loves coming and doing all the different sports with me and enjoys just having a go. 

“Spending so much more time at home, has been great to be able to inspire my sons,” he continued. 

“Hopefully, they can go on and achieve whatever they want to in their own lives, whether that's in a sporting arena, or whatever they choose to do.” 

Pip seconded her husband’s thoughts, sharing that the challenges of COVID-19 have also meant Ed has been able to share his Olympic journey more closely with his young family. 

“We’re so proud of Ed, we always have been, even before he qualified for this second Olympics,” she said. 

“The boys are so excited to see their dad on the TV. Ed’s had to train remotely down at our farm, so they’ve been able to take part in his training and the daily life of an Olympic athlete."

Athletes are generally known for their resilience and adaptability. Fernon says the key to handling all the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, is having perspective. 

“Leading up to London 2012, the Olympics was my whole life, it was my number one priority,” he explained.  

“Now, being in a different stage of life with my kids, family and business I've got so many other things going on, so having that perspective is really important. 

“I’m just incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent my country again, that’s the number one thing for me.” 

Fellow Modern Pentathlete Marina Carrier will be making her debut at Tokyo 2020 and although her parents are unable to watch her compete at the Olympics this year, they were able to watch her take part in the launch of the ASICS competition and delegation uniform for Tokyo 2020.  

“Being able to see me in the Olympic uniform, just means the world to mum and dad,” Carrier said. 

“Initially when the news came out that there would be no spectators at Tokyo, I was devastated. 

“I’d dream about my family and friends coming to watch me compete on the Olympic stage, particularly my parents who have been such an important part of my journey. 

“For them to be able to share special moments like this with me, and see me in the green and gold, is just wonderful.” 

Marina’s parents, Gavin and Robin, have taken the news in their stride, the pride of their daughter competing at an Olympics, outweighing any disappointment around not being able to physically be in Tokyo. 

“Being able to still be involved in a milestone such as seeing Marina wear her Olympic uniform is really important and special.  

“She was so excited to have us here today, and we were so excited to be here,” Gavin said. 

“I don't think I could be any more excited and I really believe that when the athletes come together to compete, it’s going to be so special,” Robin added. 

“I think Tokyo is actually going to be even more special because of how much the athletes have had to go through to get there.  

“They had to work so hard and come up with innovative ways to train, they had to be very resilient and strong and at the end of the day, it's about the athletes, and I'm just thrilled for all of them.”