The Process Behind Postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

By M. Goncalves

For the first time in 76 years, the Olympics were not held within a 4 year span of the previous one. The Olympics have only been cancelled three times ever before; in 1916, 1940, and 1944, all because of world wars. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t cause such measures to be taken, instead, the Olympics were postponed and will be held a year later. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have therefore been adapted and will be held this year. For the first time since 1964, Japan will host this world renowned sporting event, both in the capital city of Tokyo. Last year, the Olympics were set to be played like any other, but the staggering coronavirus cases across the globe caused those in charge to reluctantly postpone the games, much to the dismay of many fans who wished to watch the games either on television or in the stadiums. Luckily for all fans, the games will be held this year, and many will tune in to watch on television, as unfortunately live spectators won’t be allowed in.

The iconic white flag with the five blue, black, red, yellow, and green rings laced together will once again constantly be shown on every sports channel from July 23rd through August 6th. The flag represents the five continents of the world all united by the competitive games played in the Olympics, also a commonly unknown fact is that the colors on the Olympic flag are present in every single national flag across the globe. For anyone who has been keeping up with the Olympics in past years, they probably know about the torch that is critical for the initiation of the Olympics. The torch is a representation of Greek mythology, it is said that Prometheus gifted the flame to humanity to lead them towards civilization, the lighting of the Olympic torch represents said myth. After the torch is lit, the remarkable torch relay occurs, the relay goes on throughout the entire Olympics as the torch passes through merely every city in the hosting country, making it an event many adore watching.

While entertaining billions across the globe is essential, especially during a pandemic, so is protecting the environment. In order to avoid waste and reuse materials, the bed frames for the athletes in the Tokyo Olympics will be made from recycled cardboard, while the mattresses will be made of polyethylene that will be reused later on for plastic products. Surprisingly, these cardboard beds can sustain up to 200 kg, more than any athlete weighed in the 2016 Olympics, and will be 2.10 meters long. Additionally, medals for the Olympics will be made entirely from recycled consumer devices, yet another step being taken to avoid waste.
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Hopefully, many records are broken this year as countless fans will watch eagerly from their homes. It is a shame that fans will not be allowed to attend this joyful event, since it only is held every 4 years, however, sports lovers should be grateful for all the sacrifice put into making this event happen given the circumstances.