The 2016 Rio De Janeiro women's sevens rugby gold medal winner moved to the country's largest city to join her husband Matt, who is a professional rugby union player in Japan.

She is saddened to think competitors' experiences could fall short of previous Olympics.

She shared an insider's view just a few days before the Games are set to start.

"With no spectators there's been way less positive hype around it this time," she said. "The health system here was overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases and the torch relay took place with no spectators so there wasn't as much hype.

"Going as an Olympian, there's so much buzz around leading up to the Games. It will be so different this time."

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COVID-19 has impacted these Games before a ball has been kicked, a starting whistle blown or a projectile thrown as several competitors have tested positive and have been forced into isolation.

Two South African football players were the first athletes to test positive for COVID-19.

Lucas said it was disappointing that athletes would not be able to fully experience what Japan had to offer due to the health safety restrictions.

"I am very keen to watch it and I'm excited to see how the most iconic Olympics in history goes," she said.

"I'm intrigued to see how it plays out.

"I really feel for the athletes because their time will be limited mixing with other competitors and they'll also have limited time - if any - to get out and experience the country's culture and its people.

"I hope these Olympics provide some light in a negative time."

Although she will not compete in these Games, Lucas is pleased she chose a different pathway by moving overseas.

Despite not having the chance to win a second gold medal, Lucas said she had been rewarded in other ways with the birth of her daughter Matilda, who is now four months old.

"I had a FOMO (fear of missing out) in this Olympics when all my friends will be competing and I wanted to feel that euphoria again, but I moved to Japan to start a family with my husband Matt - Matilda is my gold medal," she said.

"The most special part of the Rio Games was my support crew watching me play. I had family and old school friends from Henschke in the stands supporting me.

"I always tried my best for my country and I'd love to be out there with my friends in the team trying to reclaim the gold medal but I wouldn't change my story."