August 3, 2021– For the past week, people across the globe have gathered in front of their TVs to watch the momentous events of the Olympics. The Olympics emulate an image of peace through their recognition of cultures in the events and ceremonies.
“The athletes show us that, despite all our differences, it is possible for humankind to live together in peace.,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “This is our Olympic message: yes, it is possible to compete with each other, even for the highest prize, but at the same time to live together peacefully under one roof in the Olympic Village.”
COVID-19 Crashes The Party
Stadiums are empty of roaring spectators, a stark difference from the past. The COVID-19 pandemic has left athletes without spectators. A large number of Japanese residents voiced concerns about hosting the games due to their low vaccination rates and the continued threat of virus spread.
World’s Refuguees Represented
This Olympics, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team is sending a powerful message as they participate in twelve different sports. Twenty-nine athletes selected through the “Olympic Scholarships for Refugee Athletes” make up this team.
“This will be a symbol of hope for all refugees in the world and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society,” according to Bach, the IOC president.
ROC, Not “Russia”
Russian Olympians entered the Tokyo opening ceremony representing the Russian Olympic Committee admits Russia’s suspension in December 2017. The IOC suspended Russia in 2017 for continued manipulation of the anti-doping system. The World Anti-Doping Committee supported the decision.
A Humanitarian Visa to Belarusian Athlete
Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a Belarus sprinter, refused to board a forced flight back to Belarus after a disagreement with the team’s coach. The Polish government gave Tsimanouskaya a humanitarian visa after she took refuge in the Polish embassy in Tokyo.
USA Gymnasts Unprotected
Since the late 1990s, hundreds of United States gymnasts have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by coaches, doctors and other people affiliated with the programs. As of late, it has surfaced that the FBI had mishandled the investigation and the IOC had failed to protect the athletes.
China Winter Olympics
Finally, the story would not be complete without mention that China is hosting the Winter Olympics, amid controversy about its treatment of minorities in Xinjiang. According to the IOC, “in the light of the improving health and economic situation in China, the 2022 Winter Games are moving forward in Bejing.”
Some U.S. lawmakers have mentioned support for a national boycott from the 2022 Winter Olympics because of the human rights violations in China. However, that is unlikely. Meanwhile, more recently, a handful of U.S. lawmakers asked the IOC to ban access to the digital yuan as there are concerns about espionage.
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