Category: 2020 Olympics

Afghan Paralympians Evacuated to Japan Granted Australian Humanitarian Visas

Two Afghan Paralympians, Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli, will be resettled in Australia after arriving in Tokyo on Saturday for the 2020 Paralympics. Former Socceroo and human rights activist Craig Foster confirmed to the Nine Network on Aug. 29 that Australia had granted humanitarian visas to these two athletes. While no details about where they will…


The Olympics, Respect, and Free Expression

Commentary The other night, my wife and I went out to dinner with friends. At the restaurant, when everyone sat down, I remained standing. “My wife,” I exclaimed loudly, “is rude, mean, and stupid. She needs to change; she needs to become a better person. I am making this announcement because I want her to…


Punching Out of It: USA Boxing Has Olympic Revival in Tokyo

TOKYO—Richard Torrez Jr. went into the Olympic boxing ring on Wednesday with a game plan jointly concocted over the phone by his father back home in central California and by Billy Walsh, his national team’s head coach in Tokyo. The 22-year-old super heavyweight from Tulare then executed the plan perfectly and repeatedly until his Kazakh…


American Hurdler McLaughlin Sets New World Record in Women’s 400-Meter

American hurdler and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin won the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday at the Tokyo Games while also setting a new world record. McLaughlin finished the run at 51.46 seconds, almost half a second faster than her previous world record set during the United States Olympic Trials in June. “I’m absolutely delighted. What…


US’s McLaughlin Wins, Sets World Record in Women’s 400-Meter Hurdles

American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin won the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Aug. 4 at the Tokyo Olympics in world-record time. McLaughlin finished in 51.46 seconds, almost a half-second faster than her previous world mark, set during the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. “I’m absolutely delighted. What a great race. I’m just grateful to be out here…


Biles Wins Bronze on Beam After Returning to Olympics Following Health Concerns

American gymnasts Simone Biles took bronze in the balance beam competition after returning to the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. The 24-year-old superstar, who won four gold medals in 2016 during the games in Rio de Janeiro, withdrew last week after she announced concerns over her mental health. Biles has now earned her seventh career medal…


Doncic, Slovenia Move Into Olympic Basketball Semifinals

SAITAMA, Japan—Luka Doncic and Slovenia need one win for a medal in their Olympic basketball debut. Wins are all Doncic ever gets when he wears his country’s uniform. Doncic had 20 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, and Slovenia beat Germany 94–70 on Tuesday in the opening game of the men’s quarterfinals. Zoran Dragic got…


Are the Olympic Games Sustainable?

Commentary “Alea iacta est,” the die has been cast. This famous statement, attributed by ancient Roman historian Suetonius to Julius Caesar just as he was leading his army across the Rubicon River, came to mind when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Brisbane as the Olympic Host City for the 35th Games in 2032. The announcement was…


Thompson-Herah Breaks Flo Jo’s Olympic Record in Women’s 100

TOKYO—Streaking down the track, with only six steps to go until she reached the finish line, Elaine Thompson-Herah stuck out her left arm and started pointing at the clock. She knew she had the win. It was only a matter of what else would come with it. With a time of 10.61 seconds, the latest…


Simone Biles, Olympics, and Abuse of Chinese Athletes

Commentary On July 28, Simone Biles, one of the most prolific female gymnasts of all time, withdrew from the Olympic games. Shortly after the 24-year-old’s announcement, USA Gymnastics released a statement. It read: “After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on…