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There were many firsts and new world records at the recent Tokyo Olympic Games, but let’s not forget the triumphs that can’t be measured by speed, height or other markers of athleticism. From friendships and anime to mental health, the 2020 Tokyo Games were filled with inspiring moments. Here are a few to revisit:
1/5 United By Gold and Friendship
What is likely to be remembered as one of the most heart-warming stories of the Tokyo Games, two long-time friends and athletes, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi, agreed to share a gold medal in the Olympic men’s high jump competition. The two were locked in first place after a tough few hours of competing, which left them with the options of a jump-off or settling for a tie. Barshim had a much better idea though—how about two golds? Once the official replied that it was possible, footage captured Tamberi instantly accepting, slapping Barshim’s hand and jumping into his arms.
2/5 Knitting Diver Tom Daley Shows His Masterpiece
Tom Daley won his gold medal for the 10-meter synchronized diving at the Games, but his time in Japan will also be remembered for his display of knitting skills on the sidelines. The champion swimmer created an adorable tiny sweater for his friend’s French bulldog, a medal case and a Team GB cardigan for himself. According to his caption on Instagram, he said “When I got to Tokyo, I wanted to make something that would remind me of the Olympics to look back on in the future. I designed a pattern for the color work that would signify everything about these games!”
3/5 Kiran Badloe Shows Off Anime-Inspired Haircut
The 24-year-old RSX Dutch windsurfer prepared for his Tokyo Olympics debut by styling his hair after anime character Aang, a wind master from Avatar: The Last Airbender. In an Instagram caption, Kiran mentioned, “This haircut is a tribute to the one and only true wind master. The avatar, the last air bender known to be alive. I hope the spirit of this great warrior gives me the power to sail well this week and use the wind in my favor. One day I dream of becoming a master of the wind myself, a true air bender.” We guess the haircut paid off as Badloe did win the gold.
4/5 Simone Biles Prioritizing Mental Health
A role model for many, Simone Biles, like Naomi Osaka with the French Open earlier this year, decided not to participate in the women’s all-around gymnastics final, a major highlight of the Games, for mental health reasons. Sports like gymnastics come with unimaginably high levels of pressure, and Biles, one of the world’s most accomplished and visible gymnasts, is setting a new standard by encouraging athletes to prioritize themselves over competition. At the women’s all-around finals, she appeared on the sidelines supporting her team.
5/5 Sifan Hassan’s Astounding Win
If there’s one thing Sifan Hassan has taught us is that falling down is part of life, but getting back up is living. The Dutch long-distance runner turned heads when she had a nasty fall onto her hip but got back up and won the 1500m race. Amazingly, the superwoman didn’t stop there, she also went for the 5000m race and ended up with two golds, becoming a double Olympic champion.
