Random Post- Olympics
For this random post, I knew immediately what I am going to write and share my opinions about. This topic is the Olympics. The Olympics were planned to begin on July 24, 2020 until August 9, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced that the games would be postponed to the next summer. After a lot of doubts and concerns whether the games will actually take place, the Tokyo Olympics will take place between July 23, 2021 to August 8, 2021.
I would like to share my divided opinions with you about this event. The Olympics is a huge and special event, were after all the hard work the athletes have been putting towards achieving their own goals, now they have the chance to represent their country, and get a medal. Despite the importance and uniqueness of the Olympics, I think that bringing thousands of athletes, coaches, trainers and support personnel from different countries, during a pandemic, into one country where only 23.3% of its population are vaccinated, is a super risky move that makes me wonder what its consequences will be at the end or even during the event. Also, even if the games are taking place, how is it fair and equal for all of the athletes? For example, Coco Gauff, a 17-year-old US female tennis player, ranked number 25 in the world, has tested positive for covid-19 so she had to withdraw from the tournament. Gauff had a very good chance for winning a medal but unfortunately, she can’t take place in the tournament. Although Gauff will miss the games due to a positive test, many other tennis stars announced that they will be missing the Olympics as well. These players including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Matteo Berrettini, Denis Shapovalov, Serena Williams, Simona Halep and many more. Then, what’s the point of doing such an event if so many players will miss it?
To be honest I have a lot to say about this event, but I will try to sum it shortly. I love the Olympics so much. That moment when you see athletes from all over the world, putting politics and everything aside, competing with one another equally based on respect and admiration is something admirable, but I think that we had to be a little more patient and wait for a better time for this amazing event since the consequences may be significance.
I think that having the Olympics this year is very risky especially with new variants spreading. It's unfair that a lot of athletes have to miss out on this opportunity because of the virus. Japan and other countries have spent a lot of money the Olympics and delaying it would increase costs, but is it worth it to risk the health of athletes from all over the world?
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing an article mentioning that it was essentially a game of chicken between the IOC and Japan. Whoever backed out first would suffer immense financial losses. I think you made a great point about the purpose of the competition when so much athlete are backing out. Is it really a competition between the best?
ReplyDeleteI have seen many posts about this recently. I am not too involved and have no standpoint on the issue, but each argument is interesting to read. It is a shame that top athletes in the world are not competing. Although this might be a loss for them, the biggest loser is Japan. I am not they can withstand not holding the Olympics considering the costs incurred. In the end, I think it will come down to money and the Olympics will be held.
ReplyDeleteHey Mor, I agree with you about postponing the games this time around. I think people watch sports to take their minds off of all the politics and issues of the world. Now I'm not saying athletes with platforms shouldn't use them to promote their own beliefs and messages, but you're right in saying that this Olympics feels so forced, especially because of all the athletes being forced to miss out due to COVID.
ReplyDeleteI've also been questioning whether or not the Olympics are fair or even worth it for the athletes this year, especially after all of the news stories about COVID related issues. I'm hoping it still plays out well for everyone that was able to compete, it's just unfortunate that so many won't be able to.
ReplyDeleteThe Olympics are amazing. It's unfortunate that Tokyo has had to work around the pandemic. Hopefully everyone stays safe and the athletes are able to get their due for all the work they have put into their respective sports,
ReplyDeleteHi Mor,
ReplyDeleteI also am concerned for the people of Tokyo. Having the games this year was super risky as cases of the COVID variant are rising and I am nervous to see how it will play out in the end.
Wow this was a very interesting article. I hope that everything will go according to plan, of course that is not how life plays out most of the time. I pray things will work out for the athletes and more importantly, the world!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of your concerns, I think there are more important things going on right now than the olympics being held, despite how much I normally love them. I'm writing this post after the news of Simone Biles withdrawing from the team finals and I hope you have some thoughts on that in class tomorrow as part of our discussion!
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