Behind the spectacle and glory that was the Tokyo 2020 were the men and women, who braved the COVID-19 pandemic and made it all happen for the Olympic dreamers.
The Games, already reset from its last year’s original schedule, faced uncertainty up to the last few days leading to the opening. Tokyo residents also made their strong opposition amid the rising cases of virus in the Japan capital.
Against all odds, the Tokyo Organizing Committee prevailed and completed one of the greatest editions of the greatest sporting sports show on earth.
Weighlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who delivered the first gold medal for the Philippines, couldn’t be thankful enough.
“Kahit maraming tumutol, ipinakita ng Japan kaya nila i-host ang Olympics, napatunayan nila na kaya basta sama-sama tayo,” said Diaz, whose historic victory, along with three other boxers, have brought them fame and fortune.
“Thank you @Tokyo2020, ‘di kita makakalimutan,” added Diaz, who admitted that she faced uncertainties that almost caused her to stop dreaming.
“Thank you God sa lahat, aaminin ko nabuhay ako with doubts, takot, at anxiety sa puso ko simula noong lockdown last March 2020 hanggang sa matapos ang laro ko noong July 26 (2021).”
The date was just three days after the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.
And a couple of days before that, Tokyo organizers chief Toshiro Muto revealed that they did not rule out last-minute cancellation of the games due to the spike in the number of athletes and officials getting infected and sponsors ditching out plans to attend the opening.
While it was one of the most difficult games to organize, the organizers stuck to the plan and the Olympics went on but without the usual live audience. The organizing committee had about 3,500 staff, including 7,000 medical personnel that managed the health protocols of 79,000 guests from 200 participating countries.
This did not dampen the spirits of Team Philippines which delivered the best Olympic performance ever in 97 years—one gold, two silvers courtesy of Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and one bronze by Eumir Marcial.
“Ang daming nangyari sa buhay ko at sa buhay natin lahat na binago ng pandemic, ‘di natin sukat akalain matutuloy ang Olympics at ‘di natin sukat akalain maiuwi ko ang gold medal para sa Pilipinas, basta ‘wag tayo sumuko laban lang sa buhay,” said Diaz, now enjoying the fruits of her sacrifices.
She now stays at the P14 million condominium unit in Eastwood courtesy of Megaworld. She also stands to receive at least P32 million in cash incentives from the government and private sponsors.