Fall and winter, besides being associated with the holidays, are considered cold and flu season. At the moment, though, the United States (U.S.) is in the middle of another COVID-19 summer surge. Surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that high levels of the virus have been detected across most of the country. With the exception of 19 states, COVID-19 cases are very high, especially in the western part so the U.S.

Although it is inconvenient, it is very normal for COVID cases to spike during the summer. In fact, it has happened every summer since COVID-19 arrived on the scene. Why do cases increase, though? Below, we will explain why it tends to happen during the summer months and how you can protect yourself from the virus.

What Is A Summer Surge?

A COVID summer surge is defined by an unexpected increase in the number of COVID cases during the summer months, according to infectious disease specialists. Other than allergies, mild infectious illnesses like the cold and flu are common during fall and winter. That said, viruses can surge any time of the year. A COVID surge in the summer is common because people travel more and gather in large groups indoors and outdoors. 

The virus continues to evolve and stays ahead of the immune system. The immune system recognizes the infection of past variants as new ones appear, which can lead to an increase in new infections. And over the years, health experts have observed a big surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of summer. 

What Is Causing The Current Surge?

There isn’t just one cause that health experts can blame for the increase in COVID cases. The first of many causes is that people do not have immunity to the new variants. Immunity to prior COVID infection is short-lived. In fact, immunity can wane after just three months. That means that you need a new strategy if you plan to rely on your immunity to protect against COVID-19 infection. Perhaps that looks like getting a COVID booster vaccine, which is given out similarly to the flu vaccine nowadays. 

The COVID-19 FLiRT variants are largely driving this summer surge, though. These variants are more adept at evading the immune system. The weather may also factor into the equation. Some health experts explain that the emerging variants potentially thrive more in the heat than they do in the cold. That could cause an increase in COVID cases in the summer, as opposed to late fall and early winter. Additionally, the extreme heat, which is present across the country, drives people to gather indoors. 

Is it possible that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will cause an uptick in COVID-19 cases? It’s always possible because large gatherings, be they indoor or outdoor, are the perfect environment for the virus to spread easily. That is true for people having guests over to their houses to watch the Olympics, or for attendees watching the games in person. In fact, there is already evidence of some olympic athletes testing positive since the start of the Summer Games. 

Will The COVID Surge Continue?

Health experts anticipate that the surge will continue as summer comes to a close. As long as people gather indoors and travel, transmission remains a worry. That said, infectious disease specialists are hopeful that another surge will not hit until late fall, or even early winter when people travel to see family for the holidays. If people take precautions, though, there is a chance that another spike in cases will not occur. It’s also possible that another surge will not be as big as the summer surge. 

How Do You Protect Yourself During Surges?

In order to prepare for a surge and reduce your risk of infection during summer, health experts encourage the following:

• Test regularly for COVID-19, especially if you live with high-risk individuals
• Open your windows if you have a large gathering
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you have a loved one who is immunocompromised 
• Use a HEPA air filtration system to reduce the risk of transmission
• Stay up-to-date on boosters and vaccinations

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Simone Biles will go down as one of the most impressive gymnasts in history. In fact, she’s often revered as the greatest female gymnast of all time, and is a proudly decorated Olympian. That’s why the 24-year-old’s performance on the vault during the women’’s all-around team final at the Tokyo Games was quite shocking. 

Biles is known for impeccable technique and ability to execute complex maneuvers. In past events, judges didn’t know how to properly score her routines because the difficulty level was so ahead of her time. That’s why her performance on the vault was so out of character. Her air awareness was not there on that vault, performing a one and a half instead of a two and a half. Additionally, she took a huge step forward.  

The team doctor examined her and she was able to leave the stadium on her own. She returned to the competition floor and informed her teammates that she had withdrawn from the meet. She removed her grips and put on her warm-up clothes, and continued to offer support during the rest of the all-around final. It’s safe to say that she became Team USA’s biggest cheerleader that night. The women’s team ended up winning the silver medal. 

Why Did She Withdraw From Competition? 

Originally, the report was that she withdrew from competition because of a medical issue. In an interview later on, Biles revealed that scratching her performance was due to a mental health issue. Prioritizing her own mental health is of the utmost importance, as optimal health is worth more than any medal. Stepping back from the competition was a calculated decision. Her fear was that she would prevent her teammates, who worked so hard to get to the Olympics, from medaling. 

Biles said that people have to protect the mind and body, and that it was unfortunate to grapple with this during such an important moment. A high-stress situation like the all-around final can create internal panic. If you aren’t 100% focused on the technical tricks that athletes of Biles’ caliber must execute, the risk of injury is much higher. People took to social media immediately, calling Biles weak or saying that she let her team down. It’s sad that such a negative stigma exists around mental health, given that she would not receive the same response if she withdrew because of a broken ankle. Somehow, that is more “legitimate” in some people’s eyes. 

If there’s one thing to know about Simone Biles, it’s that she’s not weak. In fact, she had an overwhelming amount of support for her decision to withdraw from fellow athletes and supporters. It outweighed all of the negative comments online. It’s only been three years since Biles revealed that she was a victim of sexual abuse from her former gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar. Biles is among the more than 100 female gymnasts who were abused by him. 

Why Her Decision Is Admirable

It’s very stressful to perform under the pressure that these athletes endure. The lights, the expectations, and all the grueling hours that amount to that one moment create unbearable pressure. Even five-time Olympian Michael Phelps expressed his support for Biles’ withdrawal. Phelps has dealt with mental health issues for years, even during the height of his Olympic performances. 

The reality is that it’s perfectly acceptable to not feel or be okay. Hopefully, Biles inspires other people who grapple with similar feelings to seek help and open a conversation about mental well-being. Mental health is equally as important as physical health, no matter who you are or how famous you are. There shouldn’t be a line that separates mental and physical health. The two are one and the same in that they are both health issues that affect the body. 

Biles is a superhuman athlete, but she may have just landed her most inspiring move yet. Health is the real gold medal, and attending to it whenever necessary, even during an Olympic final, is the right time. Making the decision to do that may not be easy, and it is definitely not a sign of weakness. 

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It was a thrilling third day of action at the Tokyo Games during the women’s 55-kilogram (kg) weightlifting competition. Hidilyn Diaz, a four-time Olympian, stopped China’s bid for a perfect record in weightlifting at the Tokyo Games. She overtook fellow olympian, Liao Qiuyun of China, on her last lift in the clean and jerk. Her combined weight (244 kg) amounted to one more kilo than her competitor. 

Athletes from the Philippines have competed at every edition of the Summer Olympics since 1924, save for the exception of boycotting the 1980 Moscow Games. Over the course of the country’s near century long participation in the Summer Games, it has only amassed three silver and seven bronze medals. 30-year old Diaz actually won one of those silver medals in the 2016 Olympic Games, making the country’s first podium appearance in 20 years. This year, she became the country’s first ever Olympic gold medalist. 

China won all three events in weightlifting at the Tokyo Games leading up to the women’s 55 kg event. Qiuyun failed to match her own world record of 223 kg, but Diaz was able to lift a combined weight of 224 kg, setting a new world record to boot. After confidently pressing up 127 kg in the clean and jerk, she dropped the barbell and burst into tears, realizing the glory of her country’s first Olympic gold medal achievement.

Response To Her Victory

In response to her own victory, Diaz said, “I am 30 years old and I thought it would be like going down, my performance, but I was shocked I was able to do it.” The Philippines’ presidential spokesperson gave a statement about Diaz bringing pride and glory to the Philippines. He also added, “Congratulations, Hidilyn. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you.”

During the medal ceremony, the Filipino national anthem played for the first time in the history of the country’s participation at the Olympic Games. With her country’s anthem playing, she proudly clutched her medal on top of the podium, tears streaming down her face and a smile from ear to ear. 

Diaz’s Road To The Tokyo Games

In January 2020, Diaz won the gold medal in the women’s 55 kg event at the Roma 2020 World Cup in Rome, Italy. While traveling to Peru to compete in an Olympic qualifying event, however, she was detained in Malaysia due to COVID-19 outbreak. The government then issued a travel ban and she got stuck in Malaysia for about five months. During that time, Diaz built a gym and trained with water bottles, using water in place of weights. Clearly, her determination did not waiver, as she stood victorious on the podium after this year’s dominant performance. 

According to Diaz, she plans to compete during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Let’s see what she’s able lift in a few years!

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The Tokyo Olympic Games are underway and it’s set to be an exciting couple of weeks. The stakes are high and safety is of the utmost importance. In fact, several athletes have already bowed out of their events due to COVID-19 infection. The Olympic committee is doing everything it can to ensure the safety of all athletes, like Quanesha Burks. 

Before Burks became a professional long jumper, her only previous job experience was at the McDonald’s in Hartselle, Alabama. She began her work experience there at the age of 17, often working weekdays and weekends on top of practice, track meets, and school. Burks and her siblings were raised by her grandparents, and she remembers living paycheck to paycheck. 

She often started her days at 4:30 a.m., taking her grandmother to work at the nursing home. When she returned home, she woke her sisters, got them ready for school, and then dropped them off at school before taking herself to class. After school, Burks practiced and then headed to work., where she made $200 every two weeks. She contributed her paycheck to help out her family, and knew that all of this hard work was part of her path towards a college education.

How Did She Start As A Long Jumper?

Her high school coach convinced her to try long jumping one day and Burks never looked back. In fact, during her high school career, Burks set seven school records and was an 11-time high school state champion. According to Alabama Crimson Tide coach Dan Waters, Burks’ numbers weren’t quite at the caliber of most SEC full-scholarship athletes. After talking with her during the recruitment process, Waters realized how special Burks was. Regardless of her background, it was her determination that gained her a scholarship to Alabama. She would go on to become one of the most decorated athletes in Crimson Tide history.

Her Professional Career

Her professional career has not been a smooth path to glory. During the 2019 World Athletic Indoor Championships, she missed a podium placement by 0.04 meters (1.5 inches). Her grandfather passed away a week before the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He was buried and she went to compete two days later, but did not record a successful jump. In February 2020, however, she won the U.S. Indoor title, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and wiped all future competitions and Olympic dreams away. 

She earned points in the World Athletics’ ranking system, but she experienced a bone bruise on her femur, which sidelined her from competition for 11 weeks. Burks was able to get back to training and qualified for the U.S. Olympic team as a long jumper, alongside fellow greats Brittney Reese and Tara Davis. Both of those women have incredible accolades and impressive jump records. Reese won her 13th U.S. title with the U.S. Olympic Trials win this year, catapulting her into her fourth Olympic Games. 

Burks feels that her story is very relatable, and hopes to inspire those who have big aspirations and lived through similar experiences. It’s all about the journey and setting your intentions, maintaining the proper mindset and determination. Burks said, “Never let other people dictate your success or how far you can go in life. If you believe in yourself, you have confidence in yourself, you can go far.” And that’s when Burks started saying, “I’m going to be an Olympian.”

Not only is Burks an Olympian, but she also has her eyes set on medaling in Tokyo. She’s looking for opportunity to capitalize on, and the Olympic Games may be the opportunity that she needs. Watch her compete in the women’s long jump during the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

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It looks like African-American women are about to dominate speed skating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. In fact, a 25-year old long-track speed skater just qualified for the U.S. team a little over a week ago. She placed third in the 500-meter race with a time of 39.22 seconds (the first time) and 39.04 seconds (the second time). The kicker is that she’s only been speed skating for four months!

Erin Jackson is a former roller derby skater and said that she “…really wasn’t expecting any of this, just coming in as a newbie…” To be clear, Jackson wasn’t just your average roller derby skater. She was a three-time roller sports Athlete of the Year.

Historically, speed skating and most other Winter Olympic sports have been devoid of African-Americans or people of color. This year, however, that is not the case. In speed skating alone, there are three black athletes. The aforementioned Jackson and Maame Biney, a 17-year old speed skater who became the first black woman to qualify for the speed skating team, will join speed skating legend Shani Davis in South Korea starting February 9^th.

Shani Davis, a Chicago native, became the first African-American to qualify for the U.S. Olympic speed skating team in 2002. He then went on to become the first African-American to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2006. He is 35 years old, has a total of 27 overall medals from international competitions, and this year marks his fifth straight appearance in the Winter Olympics.

Let’s show our support for these athletes and all other athletes in the Winter Olympics. Let’s also remember that every athlete in the Winter Olympics deserves support. Each overcame obstacles, no matter what they were, to get there. We wish all of them a safe Winter Olympics and may everything go peacefully.

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Moments after touching the wall that concluded the women’s 100-meter freestyle swim, Simone Manuel looked up and broke into tears as she realized that she captured the gold. Not only did she make a new Olympic record at 52:70 seconds, she also became the first U.S. African-American female to win a medal in an individual event in swimming. 20-year old Manuel tied with 16-year old Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak to share Olympic Gold.

While Australian Cate Campbell was the favorite going into the event, it was Manuel and Oleksiak who powered through to the end to claim victory. Manuel also won silver with her teammates in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay before her individual event.

After exiting the pool, Manuel gave an interview in which she spoke out about police brutality and race in America. “It means a lot, especially with what is going on in the world today, some of the issues of police brutality,” Manuel said. “This win hopefully brings hope and change to some of the issues that are going on. My color just comes with the territory.” – USA Today reports.

Leading up to the event, Manuel attempted to separate herself from representing the U.S. as a black swimmer in the Olympics. She wanted to solely focus on winning gold, and remove the weight of black community off her shoulders. Before her victory, Cullen Jones, who won two gold and two silver medals in the previous two Olympics, was the face of minorities for American swimmers.

Manuel concluded her interview with this powerful statement, “I’m super glad that I can be an inspiration to others and hopefully diversify the sport. But at the same time, I would like there to be a day where there are more of us and it’s not like ‘Simone, the black swimmer,’ because the title ‘black swimmer’ makes it seem like I’m not supposed to be able to win a gold medal.“

She has the drive and ability, as she displayed in her race, and definitely created some wake at this Olympics. We hope to see her in many Olympics to come.

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