The Corona games in Tokyo were viewed with great skepticism. But it’s not as bad as feared. Many athletes now judge the mood and atmosphere positively – and even about the much freer life in the athletes’ village.
Many athletes traveled to Tokyo with fears, apprehensions, worries and without the illusion of the carefree Olympic Festival. After more than half of the controversial pandemic games, the rating has changed, the prejudices and the great skepticism have turned into more and more recognition and praise – even in the highest tones. “What is missing is the audience,” said Sideris Tasiadis, bronze canoe slalom winner. “If they had been there it would have been the best game ever.”
Sports shooter Christian Reitz was also surprised by the atmosphere, the much more positive mood and the organization of the summer games. “In many areas, the athletes painted it too black beforehand,” said the Olympic champion with the rapid-fire pistol from 2016, who was unable to win a medal in Tokyo. “It hasn’t gotten as bad as one or the other would suggest.”
Patrick Hausding: Good job in terms of corona prevention
Standard bearer Patrick Hausding agrees with the positive interim conclusion. “It was clear that not everything would go perfectly here. We’d be lying to ourselves,” said the 32-year-old Olympic third in synchronized jumping. “So far it seems to be the case that we have very good games and the organizers in Japan have done a very good job in terms of corona prevention,” said Hausding. “I’m very satisfied.”
The three-time Olympic participant even enjoyed the limited, but from his point of view not lifeless hustle and bustle in the Olympic village: “Apart from the fact that we have to wear a mask and have fewer leisure activities, it’s like I’m used to from previous games.” The fear of being locked in the room and only being allowed to go to the cafeteria to eat was not confirmed: “That would have been violent.”
Alexander Bachmann: “In spite of everything, simply fantastic”
Taekwondo fighter Alexander Bachmann was also enthusiastic about the atmosphere in the Olympic village, despite the strict hygiene and safety regulations. “Despite everything, I found the atmosphere here and the feeling of being a part of the Olympics just fantastic,” said the 27-year-old before his competition. After the early retirement in the weight class over 80 kilograms, he didn’t care about any unexpected glory: “I’m glad to come home.”
Synchronized jumper Tina Punzel did not find it totally relaxed in the athletes’ village. “When you eat, when you stand in line, you think that it doesn’t always work that way with the distance,” she said, but emphasized: “They are special games, not necessarily worse ones.”
Paris 2024 – who knows if it will be any different
Heavyweight boxer Ammar Riad Abduljabbar is enthusiastic about the caring hosts. “The Japanese are very, very nice, very warm,” he said. Judo fighter Giovanna Scoccimarro appreciates another quality of the Japanese: “It is always very important to them that everything is very clean and thorough, which I think is very good. That is why the organization is optimal.”
The swimmer Henning Mühlleitner experiences the Tokyo Games as he had previously soberly imagined. “It had been clear for months that Corona would overshadow everything.” The competitions stayed the same: I jumped into the 50-meter pool and swam my 400 meters, “said the Olympic fourth.” I hope that I will do it again Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. Who knows if it will be different. “
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
