The Olympic Games produced moments that moved many athletes and fans alike to tears. A memorable edition in difficult circumstances. Tokyo...
The Olympic Games produced moments that moved many athletes and fans alike to tears. A memorable edition in difficult circumstances.
Tokyo received a welcome dose of Olympic spirit when Mutaz Barshim of Qatar and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi put friendship before individual glory in the men’s high jump.
The pair were tied after their final efforts and were offered the chance of a jump-off for victory at a spectator-free Olympic Stadium, before Barshim asked: “Can we have two golds?”
The answer was yes and the jumpers – friends who both overcame injury setbacks to make the Games – shared top spot on the Olympic podium.
Tamberi was overcome with emotion, writhing around on the track before congratulating compatriot Lamont Marcell Jacobs on his shock win in the 100 metres sprint.
Then there was weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz who ensured her place in Philippine folklore when she became the first athlete from the sprawling archipelago to win an Olympic gold medal. Her reactions at the end of her final lift will go down as one of the most moving images of the Games.
For Indian fans, the scenes at the end of the hockey bronze medal matches will remain etched in their memories forever. There were tears shed. Of joy, for the men’s...
