2020 Olympics Recap
After the highly anticipated Tokyo Olympics, Hallie reviews the games and briefly introduces the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in this informative article.
2020 olympics recap
By Hallie Johnson
Although postponed a year due to COVID-19, the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics made history. 11,000 athletes, 339 medals, 33 sports, and just 17 days. The United States won the medal count with 113 medals, with the closest being China earning 88 medals. This summer’s competition was truly one for the books.
The Olympics expanded, including 6 new sports, and created new opportunities for athletes to compete. Softball and baseball made a return this year, with Japan winning both events. Fittingly, karate was introduced into the Tokyo games, along with skateboarding, climbing, and surfing. Many were impressed with Sky Brown, who at just 13 years old won the bronze medal for skateboarding. Surfing has brought in a new element to the Olympics, using the ocean for a water event instead of a heat-regulated pool. This is creating conflicts for future summer games where ocean access is not available, but Olympic officials are figuring ways to work around this.
The Olympic Village this year was thought out, sustainable, and loved by the athletes. Each athlete was given their own room, although some shared with a roommate. Their bed frames were made of cardboard to reduce waste after the athletes left, and despite speculation, were found to be very sturdy. Food offered was healthy, varied, and had options for all dietary needs. Most of the cuisine was Japanese and very heart-healthy. Laundry services were provided and very efficient in not getting lost. US athletes were greeted with huge swag bags, sponsored by big companies like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour. Training facilities and gyms dotted the area so athletes could prepare for their events. The iconic Olympic Rings were on full display in the middle of the Village, attracting athletes and spectators alike. Many are excited to see the village evolve as the games go on.
Many athletes turned to TikTok to share inside videos of what being in Tokyo as an Olympian was like. US Women’s Rugby athlete, Ilona Maher, gained quite the following. She shows videos of the Village, answers questions, and shares relatable content. Maher says, “It’s been fun to see people really enjoy me being my genuine authentic self. I think people just see us as tough rugby players or Olympians when we really are also funny and emotional people too.” TikTok and other media sources have given us a new way to connect with athletes and feel more involved in the games.
Simone Biles is one of the world's most famous gymnasts. Holding 7 medals, she dominates the field. Fans and spectators were excited to see Biles bring her edge to this year's games, but were shocked and disappointed when she dropped out. Biles shares, ``At the end of the day, we’re not just entertainment. We’re human, and there are things going on behind the scenes that we’re trying to juggle with as well, on top of sports.” Biles spoke out against the abuse that goes on in professional sports and the heavy price of her mental health. She shared that it was in her best interest to support her fellow athletes from the sidelines this year, and that is exactly what she did. She was seen at every gymnastic event cheering on her fellow Americans and triumphing in their wins with them. Biles received support and respect from athletes from all different countries and the world hopes she can return to the games in Paris 2024.
Although fans were disappointed to have missed the games last year, it is exciting to have the Olympics two years in a row. 2020 was the first Olympics ever to be delayed for reasons other than a war. The Beijing Winter Olympics will begin February 4, 2021, making it just 180 days between the games. Beijing will introduce 6 new sports, including a mono bobsled event. Paris will host the summer Olympics in 2024 and the US is proud to host the Olympics for the sixth time in 2028 in Los Angeles.
For 126 years, the world has been able to unite in pride with their countries to compete. The Olympics continue to evolve. The athletes become more fierce, and the people of the world are pushed to the edge of their seats.
