Tokyo holds gymnastics meet to show 2021 Olympics can pass COVID-19 challenges

Gymnasts from four nations competed in a friendly competition in Tokyo on Sunday. It was a closely watched tournament as it was a proof that Japan can safely carry out the 2021 Olympics and pass the COVID-19 challenges.

Thirty gymnasts from Japan, USA, Russia and China took part in the first tournament held at the Tokyo Olympics venue since the postponement of the Games in March.

The list of gymnasts included Japan’s triple gold medalist Kohei Uchimura and Russia’s 2019 World Champion Nikita Nagorny.

This one-off friendly event was considered as a crucial trial run for having international athletes travel to and compete in Japan for the Olympics next year. The 2021 Olympics will bring more than 11,000 athletes to Tokyo.

“You are also setting an example that sport can be organised safely even under ongoing health restrictions,” says IOC head Thomas Bach

The event seemed threatened last week when Uchimura had a false positive test. An opening message from International Olympic Committee (IOC) head, Thomas Bach revealed the stakes of these games.

The athletes were divided into two teams regardless of the country and gender- ‘Solidarity’ and ‘Friendship’. Bach applauded the “Olympic values” after which the teams were named. He also said that the meet played a crucial role.

“You are also setting an example that sport can be organised safely even under ongoing health restrictions,” he said in a video message.

He also highlighted the meet’s importance in regards to next year’s Olympics. “…Giving us confidence in our preparation for future events, in particular of course with an eye to the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games,” he said.

“It’s important to work towards the Olympics next year, but we must also be athletes who give you hope and dreams,” said Kohei Uchimura

The Olympics venue where the matches were held was designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The spectators at the event clapped enthusiastically but refrained from cheering, mindful of the protocols. However, the audience broke the rule when Kohei Uchimura completed an electrifying horizontal bar routine.

Uchimura hadn’t competed for two years due to an injury. His team, ‘Solidarity’ edged out ‘Friendship’ to win the competition. He said that the meet went beyond sport.

“It’s important to work towards the Olympics next year, but we must also be athletes who give you hope and dreams,” he said.

Gymnasts were tested daily and they wore masks as they marched into the gymnasium behind national flags. Fist bumps of congratulations were preferred instead of hugs or high fives.

Some athletes found it hard to move just between the hotel and the gymnasium. However, US gymnast Yul Muldauer said he was just happy to be competing again.

“To continue competitions, to continue the Olympic year, we have to be more safe than you’d ever expect,” Muldauer said in a post-match news conference.

The 2,000-some spectators had temperature checks and were misted with disinfectant on entrance. A couple of demonstrators outside demanded for the Olympics to be cancelled but the spectators shrugged them off.

“I’ll do everything to cooperate, because I really want this to succeed,” said a 43 year old beautician Kanako Utsumi. She further highlighted the importance of the 2021 Games. “It’s really important for the athletes – and the Olympics.“

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