2020 Summer Olympics

The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Originally scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020, the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in history that the Olympic Games were rescheduled rather than canceled.

Background

Tokyo was selected as the host city during the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 7 September 2013. This was the second time Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, the first being in 1964.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the 2020 Summer Olympics. The games were postponed to 2021, but retained the "Tokyo 2020" branding for marketing and branding purposes. The decision to postpone was made on 24 March 2020, following discussions between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Organising Committee.

The games were held with strict health and safety protocols, including the absence of international spectators and limited domestic attendance. Athletes and officials were required to adhere to a "bubble" environment to minimize the risk of infection.

Sports

The 2020 Summer Olympics featured 339 events across 33 sports. New sports introduced included karate, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. Additionally, baseball and softball returned to the Olympic program after being absent since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Highlights

- The opening ceremony took place at the Japan National Stadium on 23 July 2021, with Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan, officially opening the games. - Simone Biles, a prominent gymnast from the United States, made headlines for prioritizing her mental health and withdrawing from several events. - Caeleb Dressel of the United States won five gold medals in swimming, becoming one of the standout athletes of the games. - Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica won gold in both the women's 100m and 200m sprints, replicating her success from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was held on 8 August 2021, also at the Japan National Stadium. The ceremony celebrated the athletes' achievements and included the handover of the Olympic flag to Paris, the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Also see

• 2020 Summer Paralympics
• Olympic Games
• International Olympic Committee
• Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics