Every four years, nations put aside political differences and gather together to watch thousands of the best athletes from around the globe compete in the Summer Olympic Games. But this year’s Olympics, set to begin in Tokyo, Japan, on July 23, carry an additional significance.
If the Games go on during the pandemic, as organizers intend, it will be “a signal of hope and resilience to all humankind,” says International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
They were originally slated for last year but were postponed because of Covid-19. With the coronavirus still spreading, officials have implemented several safety protocols. Foreign spectators will be barred, some countries are prioritizing vaccinating Olympic athletes, and Olympic officials have announced that they’ll provide competitors with vaccines made in China.
Still, many health experts remain concerned about holding such a large event, and around 80 percent of people in Japan want the Olympics postponed again or canceled altogether, according to recent polls.
But there are economic reasons for going forward with the Games. Japan has already spent more than $25 billion on the Olympics, much of which has gone to building new stadiums, and the event would bring in billions from TV deals and sponsorships as well as publicity to Japan.
Amid all the uncertainty, there’s no doubt about one thing: This summer’s Olympics—if it takes place—is shaping up to be unlike any other in history. Here are some stories to follow.
Every four years, nations put aside political differences and gather together to watch thousands of the best athletes from around the globe compete in the Summer Olympic Games. This year’s Olympics are set to begin in Tokyo, Japan, on July 23. The event will be even more significant.
Organizers hope the Games will go on during the pandemic. If they do, it will be “a signal of hope and resilience to all humankind,” says International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
They were originally slated for last year but were postponed because of Covid-19. With the coronavirus still spreading, officials have put several safety protocols in place. Foreign spectators won’t be allowed. Some countries are prioritizing vaccinating Olympic athletes. And Olympic officials have announced that they’ll provide competitors with vaccines made in China.
Still, many health experts remain concerned about holding such a large event. And around 80 percent of people in Japan want the Olympics postponed again or canceled altogether, according to recent polls.
But there are economic reasons for going forward with the Games. Japan has already spent more than $25 billion on the Olympics. Much of that money has gone to building new stadiums. The event also would bring in billions from TV deals and sponsorships as well as publicity to Japan.
This summer’s Olympics face a great deal of uncertainty. They might not even take place. Still, few would disagree that they’re shaping up to be unlike any other Games in history. Here are some stories to follow.