After a dull year during the global pandemic, we are enriched with the talent and determination of all the Olympic athletes. The Olympics itself highlights the endurance and strength of all countries, but this year offers the world hope. Hope that if these Olympic athletes can push and train through such trying times, then our own goals are reachable. With every Olympics there are some highs and some lows, but its how we react that inspires so many.
5 moments were fearless females have taken the Tokyo 2020 by storm.
Charlotte Worthington
In a sport unknown to many, Charlotte turned up and showed the whole world if you have the passion, drive and resilience you can achieve the impossible. Charlotte’s drive to land the 360-back flip, was inspiring to so many. “Word can’t explain how this feels after all the bumps in the road.” A true reminder that no matter how tough something can get, if you give it your all, you can have it all.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson
Katarina Johnson-Thompson is the perfect example of true Olympic spirit. During Johnson-Thompson’s 200m race, she was heading into the lead on the bend when a nightmare injury struck. She went straight to the floor overwhelmed with emotions. No matter the level of pain Johnson-Thompson was in she refused the wheelchair brought to her aid, instead she headed for the finish line head held high determined to finish the race. No matter what the position, she ended the race and taught the whole world a lesson in bravery and determination.
Sky Brown
Only 13 years old and achieving a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 for Team GB. Only 13 already breaking the barrier on stereotypes and preconceptions. One of the newest sports to the Olympics, Brown made her debut skateboarding her way to an Olympic bronze medal to become the youngest member of team GB to win a medal.
“My parents thought it would be too much pressure, so we weren’t going to do it, you only get one life and you’ve got to enjoy it.”
With her get up and go attitude and knowing her own abilities and worth, she led herself and proved her parents and the world your only as big as your dreams.
Alice Dearing
Alice Dearing made history by being the first black swimmer for Team GB. Dearing finished 19th in women’s 10km marathon swim, she felt disappointed with her result as she thought she could have done better. The fact that these Olympians feel that 19th in the world isn’t good enough shows us their level of pride, ambition and drive for constant self-development. Dearing embodies not only physical strength but the voice to shine a light on the barriers that she has broken down with her achievements.
“I just want people to know it is open and available to you, regardless of your race and your background. If you don’t know how to swim, get in and learn to swim. If you want to go to the Olympics, give it your best shot – don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Go chase your dreams if that’s what you want to do.”
Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre
Hannah Mills claims consecutive Olympic titles following her gold in the 470-class at the Rio 2016 Games; Great Britain top in the sailing medal standings at Tokyo 2020 with three golds, one silver and one bronze; Mills becomes most decorated British Olympic sailor of all-time. With all the titles and medals that these two women have gained separately, and together shows that when women work together the world watches, takes note and listens.