2021 Tokyo Olympics Recap
After the 2020 Olympics were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Tokyo games began on July 23rd, 2021. This delay forced athletes to compete almost a year later than planned, having to continue their training after the scheduled July 21st, 2020.
Despite all of these modifications to the fourth Olympic games held in Japan, the United States still was able to come out on top. America won with thirty-nine golds and one-hundred and thirteen total medals, China came in close second with thirty-eight golds and eighty-eight total, and Japan came in third with a delegation record-setting twenty-seven golds and fifty-eight total medals. Honorable mentions include Bermuda, the Philippines and Qatar winning their first ever Olympic gold medals, as well as Burkina Faso, San Marino and Turkmenistan winning their first ever Olympic medals.
There were countless events featuring competitors and their successes on the American team, but a few of the more concerning stories seemed to draw more attention than the others. In gymnastics, Simon Biles, regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts ever, withdrew from multiple events to focus on her mental health. Doing so, she was able to help shed light on the immense pressure and stress these athletes go through. In the world of basketball, there were many who questioned the American men team’s ability to take gold this year. These doubts seemed like they might become a reality when the team struggled during the pre-Olympic exhibition games, losing two games out of the three. But regardless of whatever problems they were having at the start, the men’s team quickly rid their fans of any uncertainty, winning gold for the fourth straight Olympics.
Throughout all of the hardship athletes had to endure due to the pandemic, many would say that to call the records set and the successes during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, ‘impressive’ would be a considerable understatement.
From Tokyo to Trestles
The Tokyo Games were held from July 23 to August 8, 2021, a year late because of the pandemic, and they were the only Olympics ever held without official spectators. They kept the Tokyo 2020 name.
The next Summer Olympics in the United States are Los Angeles 2028, scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028. Surfing, which debuted in Tokyo, is now a full part of the program, and the LA28 surfing events are set for July 15 to 18 at Trestles State Beach in San Clemente, the next city south of Dana Point.
Sources: Wikipedia, “2020 Summer Olympics”; Wikipedia, “2028 Summer Olympics”; Wikipedia, “Surfing at the 2028 Summer Olympics”.
Questions readers ask
When were the Tokyo Olympics held?
From July 23 to August 8, 2021. They were postponed from 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic but kept the Tokyo 2020 branding.
When are the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
The LA28 Summer Olympics are scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028, with events across the Greater Los Angeles area and two subsites in Oklahoma City.
Where will Olympic surfing be held in 2028?
At Trestles State Beach in San Clemente, California, from July 15 to 18, 2028.