"On an emotional level, it made me think of the 2012 and 2016 Olympics when a whole stadium is with you and cheering you on, it's very heartwarming," said French judo star Teddy Riner, who competed in Japan.
Although she didn't hit her target times, Manuel said she felt there were positives to take away, including just getting back into the swing of competing amid ongoing precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing.