To bring over 10,000 athletes - from 206 nations – together, during a pandemic, as, seemingly the most impossible of impossible tasks, but, in the end turned out to be impossible to forget. Despite being bereft of fans, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will, for many, go down as one of the best ever.
For a relieved Thomas Bach, president of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), he declared: “We did it.
“Billions of people around the globe were united by emotion,” he said, “sharing moments of joy and inspiration. This gives us faith in the future. These are the Olympics of hope, solidarity and peace.”
An Olympics that, for the most part, was improbable to stage, proved thrillingly unpredictable, and, in the end, was an Olympics like no other - where precedents were broken in the least expected ways. The Tokyo Games produced indelible displays of fortitude and flair, the likes of which will live long in the memory for generations to come.
But, alongside the flair glory and memorable drama a new open mindset came to the fore.
When Simone Biles, plagued by 'twisties,' said that her body and mind were not in sync at the Games, after withdrawing from the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health, it brought into focus that, no matter who or what you are you are never too ‘big’ to express your mental health. The Tokyo Games proved the perfect platform to do so.
She did, however, return to competition, winning a bronze medal in an emotional return to Olympic gymnastics competition in the beam event. China's Guan Chenchen won gold, with team-mate Tang Xijing taking silver.
The ultimate medal table saw a more female-led USA team finish top – just – ahead of China, with host, Japan, a more than credible third. For Team GB, the medal haul of 65, which equalled their collection at London 2012, saw them emerge from the chaos of Covid in 4th, with 22 golds, marking the country’s second most successful Olympic campaign on foreign soil.
But, perhaps, the ‘highlight’ of these Games was an incredible high jump final which ended with both Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi taking gold medals. After an exhausting two-hour competition, the pair couldn't be split, having recorded best clearances of 2.37 metres. The athletes were offered an opportunity to take part in a jump-off. But in a moment of sportsmanship, they agreed to share the title, sparking huge celebrations.
For all its flaws, it would have been easier to cancel the Games and hold out for Paris 2024, but that would have been to strip most athletes of their only tilt at glory. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics delivered - with interest.
