The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, sent a strong message to the world: overcoming through discipline, method and focus. Japan, known for its conservatism, surprised the world with its organization and resilience.
If we can extract a legacy from these games, it teaches us that each individual is unique and has an important role in society. This reinforces the importance of treating each other as individuals, and not as part of generalized groups.
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The History of the Olympics in Japan
Japan has hosted the Olympics on three previous occasions: the Summer Games in 1964 and the Winter Games in 1972 and 1998. However, the country was chosen to host the 1940 Olympic Games, which were canceled due to the Second World War.
Decades later, Japan returned to host the event in 2020, but faced another obstacle, the COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed the games until 2021. This pandemic transformed 2020, bringing global challenges that affected even the Olympic athletes.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Games
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to the Olympics. Many athletes had to adapt, training at home and using advanced technologies to simulate competition environments. The physical and mental preparation was extremely challenging, but discipline and perseverance prevailed.
Strict security protocols were essential to ensure that the games took place safely. Despite the difficulties, Japan was able to demonstrate its control over the pandemic within the Olympic Village, with no major outbreaks of COVID-19.
Organization and Sustainability of the Games
The organization of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was impeccable, reflecting the Japanese culture of precision and discipline. All systems, from logistics to health protocols, were executed efficiently. There were no major scandals or organizational failures, and the use of advanced technology impressed the world, such as the drone show at the opening ceremony.
In addition, the Tokyo 2020 Games were marked by a concern for sustainability. More than 5,000 medals were made from 80 tons of recycled electronic waste, including more than 6,000 cell phones. Even the Olympic podiums were constructed from recycled plastic, highlighting Japan's commitment to a sustainable event.
Highlights of the Games
One of the most striking stories of the Olympics was the decision by American gymnast Simone Biles to withdraw from some competitions to take care of her mental health. Her decision sparked global discussions about the importance of mental health for athletes and society in general. Even so, Simone won a bronze medal, showing her resilience.
Another great novelty was the inclusion of five new sports: surfing, skateboarding, karate, sport climbing and baseball/softball. These sports broadened the range of disciplines, attracting new audiences. The young Brazilian Rayssa Leal, known as "Fadinha", made history by becoming Brazil's youngest Olympic medalist, winning silver in women's skateboarding.
Brazil had a memorable performance in Tokyo, winning 21 medals, including seven gold. Highlights such as Ítalo Ferreira, Rebeca Andrade and the men's soccer team marked the games and made history.
The Legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics left an important legacy. Even in the face of an adverse global scenario, the event was a success, showing that unity and effort can overcome challenges. Japan demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, while athletes from all over the world overcame personal and physical adversity to compete in one of the world's greatest sporting events.
These games have shown that, despite the distance and the limitations imposed by the pandemic, sportsmanship and the ability to overcome continue to inspire us.
