It's almost the Olympics! It's almost the Olympics! And before Paris where were the last Games? In Tokyo of course! And we remember it… for many reasons.

Hosting the Olympics in the middle of a global pandemic was a bit like trying to pole vault with hand sanitizer on your hands. But thanks to unwavering determination, draconian health measures and a pinch of Japanese miracle, Tokyo welcomed athletes from around the world to celebrate the spirit of sport because impossible is not... Japanese.

The Tokyo Olympic Games

We remember it for its date…

Ah, the Tokyo Olympics, these famous 2020 Olympics… sorry, 2021! It is undoubtedly one of the most memorable memories: the historic postponement of one year due to this global pandemic which has turned our daily lives upside down, Covid-19. For the first time in the modern history of the Games, the event was postponed for an entire year. We will long remember this unprecedented situation where athletes, organizers and spectators had to adapt to a new reality.

A historic cancellation then postponement because it had not happened in fewer than simply world wars... in 1916, 1940 and 1944.

The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games to 2021 was an unprecedented decision, made for the safety of athletes and spectators. Preparations, already well underway, had to be put on hold, and the whole world held its breath waiting to see if this Olympic dream could finally come true. And so, despite empty stadiums and strict health measures, the Tokyo 2021 Games proved that the Olympic spirit can overcome even the greatest challenges.
We remember them for these empty stadiums…

We remember it for the unique atmosphere...

The Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, or how to fill brand new stadiums... with emptiness! These majestic arenas, built with billions of yen and sweat, were ready to welcome hordes of delirious supporters. But no, the pandemic decided to play spoilsport, and the stands remained as empty as a fridge on moving day.

Imagine the athletes entering the field, ready to give their best, only to be greeted by emptiness and silence. The usually deafening encouragement? Replaced with recorded applause. Fan chants? Radio silence. Even the moments of glory, those moments when an athlete wins a medal, were experienced in an atmosphere as lively as a library on a Sunday morning.

Empty stadium during an athletics event at the Tokyo Olympics

And let’s talk a little about infrastructure. Tokyo's national stadium, a jewel of modern architecture, must have resonated with cries of joy and thunderous ovations. Instead, he treated the cameras to panning shots... of empty seats. Fortunes were spent building state-of-the-art facilities which, ultimately, were admired only by a few officials.

But don't worry, the athletes did not let this desert of spectators get them down. They drew on their own energy to surpass themselves, proving that even without an audience, the show could go on. Families and friends applauded in front of their screens, transforming their living rooms into improvised stands, with the bonus of not having to queue for the toilets.

We remember it for its futuristic mascot: Miraitowa

Now let's talk about Miraitowa, the mascot of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, who brought a touch of cuteness and high-tech to the event.

Miraitowa, whose name is a blend of the Japanese words "mirai" (future) and "towa" (eternity), symbolizes the hope and bright future that awaits the world after this tumultuous time. With its futuristic design and smiling face, Miraitowa has won the hearts of young and old alike.

Miraitowa mascot

Miraitowa is not just any mascot. Equipped with superpowers, he can teleport at will, an ability we would all have liked to have to avoid queues at the supermarket during the pandemic. This character was designed to represent Japan's cutting-edge technology, while remaining true to the country's traditional values ​​and legendary hospitality.

The mascot, with its big, bright-eyed look adorned with blue and white checkerboard patterns inspired by Japanese culture, was omnipresent during the Games. From stuffed animals to posters, gadgets and goodies, Miraitowa has been everywhere, adding a dose of charm and positivity amid intense competition.

We remember it for its financial results… dirty!

Ah, the finances of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, a subject that would make even the most zen Buddhist monk raise an eyebrow. Initially, organizers planned a budget of around $7.3 billion, but in the end the bill ballooned to nearly $15.4 billion, according to official estimates. And if some think it's a trifle, know that other independent analyzes estimate the total cost at more than $25 billion. A small difference in perspective, shall we say.

The increase in costs is due to several factors, including the postponement of the Games for a year, the strict health measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and the additional infrastructure necessary to ensure everyone's safety. Without forgetting the empty stadiums which, although dramatically silent, also made a dent in the expected revenues. Ticket revenue, for example, expected to reach around $800 million, has evaporated, leaving a big void, much like the stands themselves.

But that's not all. Sponsors, while generous, have also felt the effects of the pandemic. Some companies reduced their investments, others had to cancel expensive promotional events. Fortunately, television broadcast rights helped recover some of the costs, but not enough to balance the books.

So what about this money pit? Well, the Japanese government and the organizing committee had to put their hands in their pockets to make up the deficits, a bit like a parent having to pay for repairs after a birthday party that was a little too lively. But everything is not so dark! The infrastructure built, such as the Olympic Village and new sports facilities, represents a long-term investment for the city of Tokyo, which hopes to reap benefits for years to come.

Performances of the 2021 Olympics

We remember him for his flagship performances

The Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games brought us some breathtaking sporting performances, with athletes pushing the boundaries of human excellence, even without the usual clamor of crowds to support them. Among the most memorable moments, certain exploits will remain engraved in the annals of Olympic history.

Let's start with Marcell Jacobs, the Italian sprinter who breaks with Jamaican domination to show the whole world that Europe also has its card to play in this discipline.

Marcell Jacobs

Then there's Caeleb Dressel, the American swimmer who dominated the pools with five gold medals, setting two Olympic records and two world records. His performance was a true display of power for a country that previously experienced the dominance of Michael Phelps.

Still in swimming, Emma McKeon, the Australian swimmer, dazzled the world by winning seven medals, including four gold, and three bronze, thus equaling the record for the most medals won by a woman in a single edition of the Games . His exploits in the pool were a true demonstration of versatility and determination.

In endurance, Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge brilliantly defended his Olympic title, proving once again that he is one of the greatest marathon runners of all time. His race was a masterclass in strategy and endurance, inspiring runners around the world.

For team sports, how can we not remember the Men's Basketball final between the USA and the valiant French team which qualified for the final on an exceptional counter from Nicolas Batum.

Finally, let's not forget Karsten Warholm, the Norwegian who shattered the world record in the 400 meter hurdles, crossing the finish line in 45.94 seconds. This incredible time not only won gold, but also redefined the boundaries of what was thought possible in this discipline.

We remember it for the Japanese medals

The Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games were a veritable medal festival for the host country. Japan shined brightly, recording their best performance ever at the Olympics. With a total of 58 medals, including 27 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze, Japanese athletes proved they were ready to excel on home soil.

Among the most memorable moments were the dazzling performances in judo, a sport where Japan has a long tradition of dominance. Shohei Ono defended his title by winning gold in the under 73kg category, while Uta Abe and his brother Hifumi Abe each won gold in their respective categories, adding a family touch to the Olympic feat.

Skateboarding, making its Olympic debut, was also a gold mine for Japan. Momiji Nishiya, at just 13 years old, won gold in street skateboarding, while Yuto Horigome won gold in the same discipline for men. These young prodigies not only brought home medals, but also captured the imagination of the world.

In swimming, Yui Ohashi dominated the individual swimming events, winning gold in the 200m and 400m medley, becoming an iconic figure at the Games for Japan. Her performances in the pool were praised for their power and impeccable technique.

Japan also excelled in gymnastics, where Daiki Hashimoto succeeded Kohei Uchimura as the new apparatus king, winning gold in the individual all-around and high bar. His performance was a testament to the depth of Japanese talent in this demanding sport.

In the field of martial arts, karate, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, saw Ryo Kiyuna triumph in the kata category, giving Japan another iconic gold medal.

And for 2024, the Japanese have a chance?

It seems that the medal crop is less good for the Paris Olympics with an aging generation of athletes. However, we can always count on certain well-established stars.

It would be in judo that Japanese competitors should shine the most, notably thanks to Abe Hifumi and his sister Uta in their respective categories, 66 kg and 52 kg. Niizoe Saki has her chances of bringing home the ultimate reward in the women's 70 kg category,

For breakdancing, which will become the brand new Olympic discipline, Japan is the favorite with Yuasa Ami in particular.

Also in gymnastics, Hashimoto Daiki is expected to obtain gold for the second consecutive Olympics in the individual all-around and on the high bar.

We'll see you on July 26 to see it all!