Tokyo Olympics: Top 5 sportsmanship moments

Traditionally a symbol of peace, solidarity, and unity, the Olympic Games have long rejoiced and encouraged the celebration of the togetherness of athletes and the oneness of countries. It is perhaps why that moment of sportsmanship is often reflected upon just as much as the medals and the world records. A feat only seen in the Games. And the Tokyo Olympics too was abundant in moments of true sportsmanship.

Here’s taking a look at the top 5 sportsmanship moments of the Tokyo Olympics:

Tokyo Olympics: Sportsmanship shining brighter than the medals

5. Love and warmth at the Ariake Skate Park

The debut event of skateboarding not only left jaws open with its gravity-bending tricks but also left every heart warm, with the unfiltered display of hugs and fist bumps by the athletes. Even after a brutal battle for the gold medal, all the top female skateboarders in the world were seen hugging each other after the final race was done. A real show of solidarity and unity in the toughest of times.

After Japanese Misuga Okamoto fell and failed to win a bronze medal, her opponents Bryce Wettstein of the United States and Poppy Olsen of Australia lifted her up and also her spirits while showcasing a beautiful moment at the Tokyo Olympics.

4. England consoles India women’s hockey team after an unfortunate loss

The Indian women’s hockey team created history in itself by reaching the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics. After losing to Argentina the team went against Great Britain for the bronze medal match. The Indian girls produced incredible comebacks, fought hard throughout the duration of the game, and did not lose their edge.

However, in the end, the Indian team suffered an unfortunate loss and all the hockey stars were seen visibly upset on letting the medal slip away. The winning British team showed great support and a demonstration of real sportsmanship as they consoled their disheartened opponents. The images of this incident left several fans loving this gesture at the Tokyo Olympics.

3. Isaiah Jewett and Nigel Amos finish the race together

Falling down but getting back up again is one of the unwritten rules of the Olympics. Each year pictures of athletes doing that for their fellow players flood the internet and the situation thankfully still hasn’t changed. In a heartwarming display of true Olympic values, Isaiah Jewett and Nigel Amos finished the 800m race together.

The middle distance runners from USA and Botswana respectively tripped during the 800m race. However both of them got back up and ran to the finish line together.

2. The exchange of jerseys

In the men’s singles badminton match, Viktor Axelson of Denmark beat defending champion Chen Long of China. The Danish victory ensured the effective end of Long’s hopes of getting back-to-back singles titles. However, a heart-melting picture awaited the fans after the deadly match.

Both Axelson and Long hugged each other warmly and exchanged their jerseys in a show of solidarity, togetherness and oneness.

1. The golden friendship

High jumpers Mutaz Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy were tied on the first spot after clearing 2.37m. Both of them failed to clear the successive height of 2.39m further locking the tie. In such a case, usually a jump-off is initiated where whichever athlete wins takes home the medal.

When the official was explaining the rules to the jumpers, Barshim cut in and asked, “Can we have two golds?“. With a quick look of agreement and an solid handshake, it was confirmed that these two best friends were sharing the coveted gold medal. An excited Tamberi jumped on Barshim as this gesture stole the hearts of the millions watching the match.

The Olympic Games is not just a celebration of sports but more importantly a celebration of the sportsmanship. And the Olympians never fail to showcase that.

Also Read: When will Paris Olympic Games start? What are the dates for the next Summer Olympics?