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Olympic Games 2021- The year of many firsts

The olympics never fail to amaze us, as simple as that. Each year we go into the games filled with excitement and come out of it, after having witnessed history being written in front of our eyes. This time was no different. Even though spectators weren’t allowed, the athletes made sure that we remained glued to our tv screens. So here are 5 highlights from the recently concluded Olympic Games in Tokyo:

1)  Quinn- The first openly transgender, non-binary gold medallist

The Canadian Women’s Football team beat all odds as they overcame favourites USA in the semis and then clinched the gold medal after defeating Sweden in the final. As the team celebrated the victory, there was another reason to do so, their number 5 and central midfielder, Quinn. Quinn became the first openly transgender, non-binary athlete to win an Olympic gold. The OL Reign player, who also played in French top division for Paris FC, played a pivotal role in their teams’ success. They became a much-needed role model, for not just the LGBTQ community but also for all other minorities who are battling with discrimination across the globe. Isn’t that what the olympics are all about? One person’s legacy inspiring others to fight their battles in life.

2) Simon Biles withdrawing due to mental health issues

When someone has their hopes pinned on you, you can even go through a brick wall. Imagine what Simone Biles would have done when an entire country hoped for her to win a gold medal. But there are some issues that force you take a step back, which can be extremely hard. But Biles took that step. The 32-time world championship and olympic medallist, withdrew from the individual all round gymnastic event and the team final due to issues with her mental health. By taking such a step at the biggest stage in sport, the gymnast showed that it’s okay to take a break due to mental health, just like we do if we have some issues with our physical health. She showed why she is one of the greats by overcoming the stigma on such a grave issue. Not just that, she came back and helped her team win the bronze medal in the Balance Beam final. 

3) Shared gold medal in High Jump event

It was the men’s High Jump final in Tokyo. Athletes Isa Barshim from Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi from Italy were both tied at 2.37m and failed to clear the 2.39m jump. Facing the prospect of a ‘Jump-off’ in other words, a tie-breaker, the 2 athletes decided to share their gold medals after being asked by the steward. It was a heartwarming moment for everyone watching as the athletes and friends embraced each other. It’s something we all have once dreamed off, doing great things with a friend by our side and the 2 athletes did the same thing and gave us another olympic moment to cherish for a long long time.

4) Skateboarding makes its debut

For the first time since 1896, Skateboarding, which began in the 1940’s, officially became an olympic sport. There were 2 events ie, Park and Street, for both women and men. Though the sport looks ‘cool’ from the outside, the gruelling heat in the middle of the day made it extremely tough for the athletes. 12-year-old Kokona Hiraki of Japan and 13-year-old Sky Brown of the UK stole the headlines as they became one of the youngest medallists in olympic and their countries’ history, winning the bronze and silver medals respectively. Skateboarding has also been provisionally approved by the International Olympic Committee for the 2024 Olympics.

5) The ‘Golden Arm’ of Neeraj Chopra

7th August, 2021, it was around 5:30 PM IST. The whole Indian nation held its breath along with the man of the hour, Neeraj Chopra, who had completed the last of his 6 attempts in the Javelin Throw final with his best attempt being at 87.58m and in the gold medal position. The other 11 athletes had their chances but no one could throw the javelin as far as the Indian. An entire nation sighed with relief and roared with joy. Its wait for a track field Olympic gold medal had finally come to an end. The great Late Milkha Singh, PT Usha, all of them made us proud, but it was a young Junior Commissioned Officer in the army who struck gold. It was a moment of united celebration across the country, which is so often divided by other issues. Years of hardwork made Neeraj Chopra a nationwide hero within seconds, such is the beauty of the olympics. 

About the author

Pritish

1st year undergrad student and football enthusiast.

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