While packing, I imagined myself as a Team USA superfan, patriotically first-pumping for my countrymen and -women against everyone and anyone. “They say this before every Olympics.” (Indeed, just two years earlier, the city of Sochi had been lampooned relentlessly on the internet for its unfinished venues and accommodations.) The itinerary was this: a few days of sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro and then a few days of spectating at the Games, attending gymnastics events (for me), cycling races (for him), and swim meets (for the both of us, because Michael Phelps). The lead-up had been unsettling: News reports at the time incessantly questioned the city’s preparedness. But what goes missing when the crowd does? I attended the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio with my then boyfriend. And sure, most of the world will watch the games as they’ve always done: on television. Then there’s the price tag: Coronavirus has already driven the cost of the Olympics up by $2.8 billion.
Athletes have trained to peak (or reach prime physical shape) during the international tournament, now mere weeks away. Due to rising COVID-19 rates in Japan, the 2021 Olympic Games-already delayed a year by the pandemic-will now ban spectators from the grounds. To borrow a theater adage: The show must-and will-go on. Others will cry-a physical manifestation of the overwhelming realization that after decades of grueling, unfathomable work, their Olympic dream has begun. Most of them will wear smiles so wide that their cheeks reach their ears, their eyes animated and ablaze. They will wear some sort of national uniform-perhaps designed by Ralph Lauren or Telfar-and a few will carry their country’s flag. On July 23, 2021, the Official Skull veteran come on you apes you wanna live forever roughnecks shirt also I will do this 11,000 best athletes in the world will march into Tokyo’s National Stadium.
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