Graphic shows scandals and gaffes which have befallen the Tokyo Olympics.
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TOKYO 2020

Tokyo Olympics open amid blunders and rising Covid cases

By Ninian Carter

July 23, 2021 - A subdued opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has taken place, with around 1,000 spectators – mostly dignitaries, including less than 20 global leaders – in attendance.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games opening ceremony went off almost without a hitch, heralding the beginning of 16 days of athletic competition.

Postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the build up to the rescheduled Games has been mired in controversy for months. With around 80% of the Japanese public against the Olympics taking place while the country struggles with rising coronavirus cases and low vaccination levels, it was touch and go whether the event would take place at all.

In recent days the director and composer of the opening ceremony were fired over controversies to do with past conduct. Similarly, the creative head was pushed out in March and the Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori, was axed at the beginning of the year.

Now, with competition underway, Olympic organisers are struggling to maintain control of the coronavirus, which has infected over a hundred people linked to the event, including numerous athletes.

It remains to be seen if the Tokyo Olympics will make it all the way to its scheduled ending on August 8.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 23/07/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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