5 Reasons the Tokyo Olympic Games Will Be Special

5 Reasons the Tokyo Olympic Games Will Be Special

By Gigi Picard Swimming World College Intern

We’re two weeks away from the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and I feel like I’m personally being whistled up to the blocks. The United States Trials were emotional and exhilarating for spectators like me, as some veterans fell and others rose in what can only be described as the most challenging swim event in memory. Now it’s time to face the world in Tokyo.

Who suspected back in 2016 that we’d have to anxiously wait a full five years to get back to the Games? The delay seems to have worked to the benefit of some athletes and not so much for others, as the Trials demonstrated. And throughout, up to the present moment, the spectre of disappointment – driven by COVID-19 uncertainty – has hovered over the event. But, as the Games approach, there are already a few highlights that are guaranteed to make these Games truly special. I thought I’d start a list here.

Unsurpassed Commentary

Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott

This year, NBC has listed a record number of 178 commentators for the Tokyo Olympics. Among those listed, swimming has a total of six at the pool: Dan Hicks and Patrick Kinas doing play-by-play; Olympic medalists Rowdy Gaines, Elizabeth Beisel and Amy Van Dyken as swim analysts; and veteran Michele Tafoya as an on-deck, up-close-and-personal reporter. Gaines will also be an open-water analyst alongside stroke-by-stroke commentator Mary Carillo.

New Speed in the Water

As we all saw at Trials, we’ll have a lot of fresh talent in the water in Tokyo. For example, 15-year old distance freestyler Katie Grimes was pretty close in age and time at the Olympic Trials to Katie Ledecky when she made her first splash in London. The two will represent Team USA in the 800 freestyle, the event in which Ledecky made her stunning gold-medal debut in 2012. While it is doubtful Grimes will defeat Ledecky this year, who’s to say she won’t be near where Ledecky is now at some point in her swimming career?

The Sounds of Silence

It has been announced that the Tokyo Olympic events will not include spectators. This is, of course, a potential nightmare for swimmers and, especially, their parents. Yes, it’s true, sometimes it’s hard for swimmers to hear cheers when they’re mid-stroke – but support is always felt and always makes a difference. So, racing promises to be unique without all the usual screaming and whistles and colorful t-shirts in the stands – so parents and family and friends will need to up their spirit game this year! I think it’s still okay for the parents and fans to make custom t-shirts like they did at Trials.

A Century of Celebration

On a brighter note, the United States women will celebrate more than a century (101 years) of Olympic swimming this year. The first Olympic Games were in 1896, and women were allowed to compete as early as 1912. Because of a “skirt rule,” however, United States women were prohibited from competing until the 1920 Games. They say one of the greatest upsets in Olympic swimming history was when the 1976 U.S. women defeated the East Germans in the 400 freestyle relay. So, it’s time to celebrate a century of U.S. female swimming competition – and better late than never, I say!

Rowdy Color

Ok, I can’t help myself – I have to go back to the subject of “commentary” – specifically color commentary. If you haven’t experienced Rowdy Gaines at work, you’re in for a special treat. He’s probably one of the most enthusiastic and experienced color commentators. As an Olympian and gold medalist, he knows his stuff, from swimmers to strokes to the history of swimming. So, do yourself a favor and listen up. You will learn so much as you’re carried along on his endless wave of enthusiasm. It is guaranteed that he will make the Tokyo Games feel special for all swim spectators.

So, those are my thoughts at the moment. I predict that this year’s Olympics, despite the challenges of 2020, will be very special and maybe even a wild event. I’ve given you some reasons to believe that will be true – tune in and judge for yourself.

All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.

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