The Tokyo Olympics 2021, a much-awaited sporting event of the year, has finally begun after a year-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event officially started on July 23, 2021, with the opening ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
The opening ceremony, which was a scaled-down version compared to previous Olympics, was a mix of tradition and modern technology. The ceremony paid homage to Japan’s rich culture and history, featuring performances by Japanese artists and highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity among athletes from around the world.
The much-anticipated sporting events have already started, with the first medal event won by China’s Yang Qian in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle. As of August 1, 2021, a total of 339 gold medals, 339 silver medals, and 397 bronze medals are up for grabs, with 33 sports and 50 disciplines being represented.
Some of the notable events to watch out for include Athletics with Usain Bolt retired, Tennis with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal missing, and Gymnastics with Simone Biles aiming for another gold. Other events like Swimming, Basketball, and Soccer are also expected to be fiercely contested, with top athletes from around the world competing for medals.
The Olympics have also seen its share of controversies this year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers to put strict measures in place to ensure the safety of athletes and officials. The strict measures, which include daily testing, mask-wearing, and social distancing, have not been welcomed by all athletes, with several complaints about the food, living conditions, and general restrictions in the Olympic Village.
Furthermore, several athletes have been forced to withdraw from the Olympics due to COVID-19 positivity, including American tennis player Coco Gauff, US hurdler Keni Harrison, and Dutch skateboarder Candy Jacobs. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also faced criticism for prohibiting athletes from engaging in social justice protests during the games.
Despite the challenges, the Olympics continue to provide a platform for athletes from all over the world to showcase their talent and achieve their dreams. The Games will come to a close on August 8, 2021, with the closing ceremony set to round off what has been an unforgettable Olympics.
In conclusion, the Tokyo Olympics 2021 have been a thrilling sporting event so far, with plenty of exciting moments and surprises. With one week left to go, fans around the world will continue to tune in and witness some of the world’s best athletes compete for Olympic glory.