The decision to go ahead with the postponed Tokyo summer Olympics, despite almost universal condemnation, proved to be as successful as it was bold. It was unique in the event’s history, first recorded in Olympia in ancient Greece in 776 BC.
Brilliantly organised and confidently presented, it sadly lacked a live audience. Despite this, it thrilled millions of people around the world,
In Britain, despite the limited television coverage, we were enthralled day by day by the records broken and stories of skill and determination. We applauded the equalling of our previous best medal tally in the 2012 London Olympics.
The pandemic was always menacingly in the background but its threat was largely thwarted by strict safety measures.
What does it all mean for the sceptical, worried people of Japan where the infection rate is soaring? They were apparently the least supportive country but Japan will undoubtedly reap huge reward.
The 2020 Olympics will be remembered for uniting the sporting world, giving it fresh hope and motivation after the massive disruption caused by the pandemic.
When I first went to Japan 50 years ago tourists were few and far between. Not surprising, as its many attractions were mostly out of reach and comprehension because of the language difficulty. In my two months there I hardly heard or saw a word of English, or any other language. Everything was in Japanese.
I only managed to find my way around sprawling, ever bustling Tokyo by the efficient sardine-tin-like packed underground where each station had signs in English signifying the next station in either direction. And where did that idea come from? The Tokyo Olympics of 1964.
When I returned many years later with the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, tourism was picking up. More people spoke English and many shop and businesses used English signs.
I can see tourists pouring in by plane and cruise ship, thanks to Tokyo 2020.
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