International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach says the Tokyo 2020 Games have been a great symbol of hope for the global community. The Games drew to a close a year later than planned, after they were postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While most events took place without spectators and with numerous health and safety measures in place, Bach said he was sure the unique circumstances meant none of the competitors would ever forget the Games.
Over 11 000 athletes competed across 339 events with 2,401 medals awarded to competitors representing 93 different Olympic committees. Tokyo saw Olympic debuts for surfing, skateboarding, climbing and karate, with baseball and softball returning after a 13-year absence.
Olympic team members left Tokyo on Monday, after the closing ceremony capped off an unprecedented Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee president, says the 2020 Tokyo Games were just special.
“I’m only sure that nobody who took part in these Games will ever forget these Olympic Games. They are unique and they’re a great manifestation and a great symbol of hope for the people across the globe. They are a great manifestation of solidarity which made these Games happen and they are a great manifestation of peace because without solidarity there is no peace.”
Held without spectators, the Olympics fell short of the triumph and financial blockbuster Japan had sought. Instead — the host nation is saddled with a 15 billion dollar bill, double what it initially expected, and with no tourist boom to offset it. Bach says the unity of athletes in Tokyo made the Games to be extra special.
“The athletes were extremely happy that after these two years, almost two years of separation, they could come together again. And then I have never before felt such an intensity in the atmosphere in the Olympic Village and, on the field of play, such a togetherness among the athletes. And the athletes are very grateful that the Games, under these circumstances, could take place at all. And these emotions, these feelings, this atmosphere, they have managed to share it with the entire world.”
Tokyo Olympics organisers reported on Monday — 28 new Games-related COVID-19 cases bringing the total since the 1st of July to 458 cases. Tokyo residents say they were torn after the Olympic Games with some saying they were glad that they had taken place and others said they had reservations about the consequences of the event which was held amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the athletes are happy to have been part of the historic event.
Serod Batochir, a marathon runner from Mongolia says: “This Olympic is very special Olympic Games. Coronavirus is all scary and really dangerous, but one year after, the Tokyo Olympic Games were really exciting. All athletes and coaches, all coaches were one year waiting, then all athletes, all coaches could start fighting. And yesterday already, the Olympics is finished.”
His sentiments were echoed by a baseball player from the Dominican Republic, Angel Sanchez Suares.
“It’s a little hard and then we just had to adjust to whatever it is, you know. Can’t be thinking too much and then just here come to compete and then have fun.”
The next host city, Paris, had already begun celebrations as the Tokyo Olympic Games concluded with a closing ceremony on Sunday.
Paris organizers have vowed a more opened Games which will put some competitions near the city’s landmarks including the Eiffel Tower.
The opening ceremony will also take place along the Seine River rather than a stadium.
