Sydney McLaughlin turns 22 three days after the final of the 400-meter hurdles, in which she might win Olympic gold and may even lower her current world record.

Her big birthday plans?

Try and find a cupcake and then blow out the candles by myself, McLaughlin said .

Welcome to the no-fun Olympics, where celebrations and camaraderie will be muted by stringent rules and regulations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Navigating the Tokyo Games may prove to be anything but a piece of cake: Masks and social distancing 2 meters (more than 6 feet) strictly required. Hugging is a no-no when celebrating. Meals in big groups are to be avoided. Alcohol must be consumed in ones room and alone. Family interactions are basically reduced to video chatting.

Not exactly the once-in-a-lifetime experience many athletes were envisioning.