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Despite a rocky start, the 2021 (really 2020) Tokyo Olympics are underway and we are already seeing record performances. Because of COVID-19 protocols, fans are prohibited from spectating any of the sporting events. It leaves a somewhat eerie silence where there would normally be thunderous cheering and applause.
At the time of publication, China currently leads all countries with 18 medals, followed by the U.S.A. with 14, and the host Japan with 13. Japan however is in the lead with 8 gold medals, followed by 7 for the U.S.A., and China with 6.
Americans wait for results
Some of the sports where the winners have already been decided are; shooting, fencing, skateboarding, judo, and some swimming events.
Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of the Central time zone in the U.S., so much of the way Americans are finding out about results has been through social media.
U.S. faces losses and wins
Team USA’s men’s basketball team suffered its first Olympic loss since 2004 in a 83-76 finish to France. Basketball has always been seen as a guaranteed gold medal for Team USA since the top basketball league and top players in the world are here in the states. However, as the game grows stronger internationally and other countries’ players have the experience of playing together for years, the gap between Team USA and the rest of the world has all but diminished. Team USA’s next tests will be against Iran and the Czech Republic, needing to win both games in order to advance to the medal rounds.
Team USA’s gymnastics team got off to a shaky start as they placed second in the team finals Sunday following the Russian Olympic Committee. The team is led by one of the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, as well as Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, and Grace McCallum. The slate is wiped clean as the team heads into Tuesday’s women’s gymnastic team final, and all expectations are on Team USA to bounce back and take gold in the event.
To follow along with Olympic coverage NBCSports is a great option and to track the medal count, ESPN provides constant updates.