TOKYO – The Tokyo 2020 Olympics came to an end on Sunday after 17 days of competitions that took place without spectators at most venues amid a state of emergency caused by a resurgence in COVID-19 infections.
The Games, which were postponed for a year due to the pandemic, were attended by nearly 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions, in a record 33 different sports at 339 events across 42 venues.
Japan, the host nation, won a record number of 58 medals, including 27 gold medals, also a record high.
The Philippines, on the other hand, concluded its most successful Olympics campaign with four medals – one gold, two silvers, and one bronze.
“For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together,” International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said at the closing ceremony held at the Japan National Stadium.
“The Olympic Games of Tokyo 2020 were the Olympic Games of hope, solidarity and peace,” he went on.
“You, the Japanese people, can be extremely proud of what you have achieved. On behalf of all athletes, we say: Thank you, Tokyo. Thank you, Japan,” Bach added.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics are slated to start on Aug. 24 and will run through Sept. 5.
The 2024 Summer Games, scheduled for July 26 through Aug. 11, will be hosted by Paris. - Florenda Corpuz
(Photo courtesy of Tokyo 2020)
