The 14 Moments That Swept Us Away At The Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO — They were called the "COVID Olympics." The "pandemic Olympics." The "anger Olympics." Many Japanese people were upset to host such a huge and risky event in the middle of the pandemic, and many outside observers were surprised it happened at all.
But as the Tokyo Games close out inside these quiet and largely fan-less venues, records were set, history was made, and heartwarming moments of underdogs prevailing were streamed onto smartphones and beamed to televisions in homes around the world.
NPR's team in Tokyo put together our favorite moments of the Games, where participants showed their athleticism, sportsmanship, and what motivated them to compete.
You can jump to a moment here:
- Allyson Felix becomes the most decorated woman and U.S. athlete in track and field history.
- Two high jumpers decide to share gold.
- U.S. shot putter Raven Saunders defies the ban on podium protests.
- U.S. wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock cries holding the U.S. flag.
- Simone Biles mounts a comeback after withdrawing to focus on mental health.
- U.S. gymnasts band together and take silver in the team event.
- Caeleb Dressel is taking home five gold medals in swimming.
- Katie Ledecky defies doubters early in the Olympics and finishes on top.
- A runner falls in a 1,500 meter race — and still wins.
- A 14-year-old Chinese diver scores two perfect 10s.
- Japan makes a statement in skateboarding's Olympic debut.
- U.S. women's basketball takes its seventh gold medal in a row.
- A Tunisian swimmer mounts an upset and shocks the swimming world.
- Japan wins gold in the sport of Karate as it makes its Olympic debut.
