Various M words are generating headlines this week. From a sports perspective, one M word connects several major stories together. Even though it’s likely not the first word that comes to mind.

Words that start with M keep coming to mind throughout this week. When thinking about several locally and nationally significant sports stories. Marvelous comes to mind regarding Joey Votto’s franchise record six-game home run streak. Mature is not an M word Cincinnati Reds fans have in mind concerning Javier Baez’s walk-off antics on Monday. Then there’s the mental health travails of Simone Biles at the Summer Olympics. Plus, increasingly earnest discussions about vaccine mandates. As the Delta variant of COVID-19 drives a recent surge in cases; particularly hammering un-vaccinated Americans.

While the focus surrounding Simone Biles’ time at the Olympics is rightly on mental health. After Biles cited mental health as a factor in withdrawing from two competitions as of Friday. There’s another word that starts with M to consider. One that could be contributing to Biles’ mental health travails. Along with her performances at the Summer Olympics Gymnastics competitions. That M word is momentum, something local teams have struggled with throughout 2021 too.

The pandemic disrupted Olympic athletes training schedules. Pushing their plans back by at least a year. This is leaving an impact on Biles and other veteran Olympians. Through disrupting a sense of positive momentum for athletes going into the games. Add on playing front of no fans in the stands. As loved ones aren’t able to cheer athletes on in Tokyo. This is also potentially zapping away more positive momentum for Biles and other Olympians.

In Biles case, internal and external pressures pose challenges towards generating positive momentum. From being vaulted up as one of Team USA’s biggest stars. Striving to persevere as a sexual abuse survivor. Dealing with the pandemic and a turbulent 2020 for people of color as a black woman. Plus, competitive slip ups in a sport where every move gets scrutinized to the nth degree. Challenging both the emotional and physical momentum she’s used to become the phenomenal gymnast she is. As the struggles mess with Biles concentration and leaves an impact on her performances.

Locally, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled at times to regain momentum. Which they built up just before the All-Star break. Their bullpen has found ways to thwart Cincinnati’s momentum in games. Which is a major reason why the Reds are focusing on improving their bullpen this week. As the hours wind down towards Friday’s trade deadline.

FC Cincinnati has a momentum problem too. They lost the momentum built up during a hot road winning streak. They are also struggling to hold onto leads. A problem that has popped up in several games this month. Pandemic pauses also helped thwart Xavier Basketball’s momentum last season. Before pauses in January and February, Xavier was playing like a team destined for a March Madness bid. Ultimately, they missed out on March Madness after a late slide.

Meanwhile, the NFL is trying to find a way to boost team’s vaccination rates with an intriguing approach. Taking on a carrot and stick approach as vaccine mandates become seriously considered by some. Last week, the NFL announced teams could be forced to forfeit. Along with the prospect of players missing a paycheck. If un-vaccinated players cause outbreaks that deplete team’s rosters.

Similar carrot and stick approaches in the public and private sector might help boost vaccination rates nationally. As COVID-19 cases rise after vaccinations lagged and mask guidelines change. Sports-wise, there’s a potential competitive advantage argument for teams to implement vaccine mandates. Teams might consider a mandate simply as a way to limit risks to their playoff hopes. It’s hard to envision a coach or player being thrilled. By the prospect of their team’s playoff chances falling apart because of a COVID-19 outbreak. Or having an outbreak thwart the momentum produced by a winning streak.

Ultimately, generating momentum is deeply important in sports. It’s physically vital for athletes and can generate excitement for teams from fans. Putting keisters in seats and contributing to a cycle. Through the athletes feeding off of the crowds energy. That’s something Reds players have mentioned since their capacity limits were scrapped. It’s also something Olympic athletes are being robbed of this year due to COVID-19.