We will look back on the 2021, ahem 2020, Tokyo Olympics with many feelings. The lack of spectators, masks and the absence of many countries, notably Russia, is enough to make it a very different Olympics. But in the vast sea of disappointments brought on by the pandemic era we're living in, the international event has created many opportunities for joy. Joy in Naomi Osaka representing her country of birth. Joy in an Australian swimming coach's unadulterated celebratory dance. Joy even in Pita Taufatofua's glistening abs. Its presence is all around us and we're leaning into it.
The flag bearing duo of our dreams
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While this Olympics will be momentous for a string of reasons, watching Patty Mills and Cate Campbell lead the Aussie team in the opening ceremony tugged at our heart strings. Patty, the fearless captain of the Boomers basketball team and proud Kokatha, Naghiralgal and Dauareb-Meriam man, was the first Indigenous Australian to carry the Australian flag. Alongside him, Cate Campbell brandished the flag as the first female swimmer to do so.
Naomi Osaka lighting the Olympic cauldron
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It was at this particular moment during the opening ceremony where scenes of Naomi as our monarch went into overdrive. Maybe it was watching her ascend that fuji-inspired pedestal or lighting what seemed to be a giant...artichoke? Whatever it was, we felt the torch we carry for her burn ever more fierce.
Hot Tongan Flag-bearer
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For what was, apparently not the first time, Pita Taufatofua laid out a bowl of ice-cold water for the most thirsty of onlookers. Dressed in a traditional tupenu, when Pita entered the opening ceremony even my throat felt a little dry. The athlete is representing Tonga in Taekwondo and you can catch him in action today. Until then, I must ask who applied the oil? The mind wanders...
Coach Dean Boxalls' very calm, very poised celebration
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If we were ever in need of a national dance, I would gladly point to the chaotic moves dished out by swim coach Dean Boxall. As Ariarne Titmus approached the finish line in first place, eyes were instead on Boxall who was celebrating in a fit of mask-throwing, hip-thrusting, head-banging and air-punching, no doubt mirroring the reaction of the rest of Australia. Our deepest apologies to the Japanese attendant nearby.
Ariarne Titmus' recording-breaking gold medal
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Beating five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky is no small feat and one that we can safely say we'll never do. But, of course, Ariarne Titmus went and did that and in her first Olympic games too. Dean Boxall's chaotic dancing is perfectly justified for the occasion.
Everything about the women's street skateboarding event
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From Japan's thirteen-year-old Momiji Nishiya taking home gold. Or even Brazil's, again, thirteen-year-old child prodigy Rayssa Leal winning silver, there was plenty to aspire to in the first-ever women's street skateboarding event. Watching the skateboarders camaraderie was pure joy. And we've found the winning-event for steeziest Olympic uniforms. Shoutout to Aori Nishimura and Alexis Sablone— we're taking notes.
The Matildas act of solidarity
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Before their game against New Zealand's football team in which they won 2-1, the Matildas stood before the Aboriginal flag in a touching tribute to First Nation's Australians. The statement is part of a larger move from athletes as they kneel to take a public stance against racism.
Ariarne Titmus earns Gold...Again!
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Because if her 400m freestyle win didn't say it well enough, Ariarne Titmus is a weapon. Her second gold medal, this time in 200m freestyle, is delicious. It must be fun to be an Olympic Gold Medallist.
We love Simone Biles
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As one of the worlds most accomplished gymnasts, Simone Biles had nothing to prove at Tokyo 2020. Her decision to step away from the games to prioritise her mental health could not have been easy, especially with the whole world watching. We are in awe of you Simone!
Tom Daley and his Gold Medal Tea-Cosy
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When we first set eyes on Tom it was back in 2008 he was just a 14-year-old baby. That's why it was so satisfying to see him win gold in the mens synchronised 10m diving event all these years later, husband and child in tow. He even knitted a tea-cosy-esque holder for his brand spanking new medal. What can't the man do?
Emma Mckeon takes home 7 medals
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The last time an athlete won 7 medals in one Olympics was back in 1952 with Russian gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya. Mckeon's last day in the pool saw her win gold in the womens 5om freestyle and 4x100m medley. All we know is that Emma Mckeon is heading home with significantly heavier luggage.
The strange basketball robots...
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Amidst all the excitement came the...nervous laughter...truly terrifying basketball-throwing robot. During half time in the U.S and France's preliminary game, this amphibian-like stranger sank some serious half court throws. A display of dominance I'm willing to accept.
Suni Lee wins gold!
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In what is her first Olympics, Sunisa Lee struck gold in the individual all-around gymnastics event. While injured. A woman who has our hearts and our envy too. And she's only 18...
