"What are you going to do here when Djokovic is not there?" PHOTO

The sports oasis, which extends over almost 134 hectares in Saint-Denis, was also an attraction for journalists, who the day before the opening of the Olympics had the opportunity to peek into the "city of the Olympians".

The security procedures here are very strict, and in order to get to the complex made up of 82 buildings, you have to go through various scanners, but also get a special "ticket" with which you are allowed to stay in the Village.

Perhaps a little bit unusual and unexpected, the ticket to the Olympic Village is a yellow ribbon, which you are obliged to wear at all times and in a visible place.

Volunteers and employees in the press center will usually put it on your hand, it also has the number under which you "were granted" your accreditation, which you will receive after completing the tour of the Village.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

This also reminded us of a detail from history envolving yellow ribbon, but we will not look for negative connotations and let it be that it was the best solution for the organizers.

"Marked" like that, you can roam around the Village and peek into every corner, and the first task was to find the Serbian pavilion.

One of the volunteers, a gentleman between 50-60 years old, offered to give information about where each team was stationed.
 

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

While holding a map and a plan of the Village in his hands, he cordially talked about where some of the most numerous delegations were positioned, to be followed by the question of who exactly we were interested in.

"Serbia", was the short answer, followed by an astonished look.

"Well, you came here, even though Djokovic is not there. Why? He is not in the Village," replied the gentleman.

"It's a good decision for him, he has to prepare as much as possible to win the Olympic gold. It's time," we continued the dialogue with the gentleman, obviously a good tennis connoisseur.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

"Sinner didn't come either because he gave up, but Nadal and Alcaraz did. I love Novak, but my son is "crazy" for him. As I'm British, I'd like Murray to take the gold, but I'd be happy for Novak." says the middle-aged gentleman and receives a joking reply that Andy has had enough, because he already has two Olympic golds.

With best wishes and good luck to Djokovic, B92 reporter parted with the volunteer and the walking odyssey to the Olympic Village began.

The space is huge, and the tour time is limited, so the first stop was to find the building where the Serbian team is housed.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

As the aforementioned British volunteer explained to us, Serbia "shared" the facility with the Australians, who are their first neighbors.

Serbian tricolors stood in line with the flags of Australia, and not so far from our team, the delegation of the United States of America also has its location.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

Although there was hope that we might meet some of the US stars, we were not so fortunate, but we found someone who was.

Upon entering the Serbian pavilion, we were greeted by the Serbian table tennis player Izabela Lupulescu, who spent her moments of rest in the seating area on the terrace.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

Visibly excited and happy to be a part of the event, as this is her first Olympic Games, she shared her impressions of the Village.

"I just arrived, because I had training and everything seems very nice and interesting to me. As soon as I set foot, the first person I saw in the Village was Simone Biles. Hey, I pass by Simone Biles," said Izabela, who could not hide her delight.

Lupulescu will play her first match on July 27, we will see to what extent the US gymnast was a sign on the side of the road for her.

Next was perhaps the biggest attraction in the Village, namely the famous Olympic circles, the most sought-after location for the picture of many Olympians.

They waited patiently in smaller lines to immortalize the moment where there will be five circles in different colors in the background.

B92.sport/Dejana Popović

For those who don't prioritize taking photos, they could find relaxation and rest along the entire Olympic Village, where lazybags, chairs and sunbeds are set up.

Someone was driving a bike, other athletes were training, running, walking...

There were also those who were having fun in the recreation room, where various games are available, including table football, basketball, darts...

There was something for everyone, and the general impression was of a relaxed and good atmosphere that radiated from almost every Olympian we passed.

We hope that the good energy will also be transferred to the fighting grounds, because we are getting closer to the moment when the fight for the Olympic throne begins.

We left the Village and the athletes in their mode, because this Friday the official opening ceremony of the Olympics awaits us.

Soon enough, the Games really begin.

B92.sport