2020 OLYMPICS - Week 7/19 Roundup

For me it is confusing to have the '2020' Olympics in 2021, it's the delay of course.

"The American athletes to watch during the Tokyo Olympics" PBS NewsHour 7/19/2021

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are just four days away.  But the specter of COVID hangs over the games as more than 50 people involved, including athletes, contractors and staff, test positive.  Olympics officials say they still hope to put on compelling games despite it all.  With that in mind, Judy Woodruff previews some of the Americans to watch with Christine Brennan of USA Today.

Christine Brennan, USA Today:  Well, we really — the dream team is women's basketball.  And going back, the U.S. women's Olympic basketball team has not lost, Judy, since 1992, Barcelona 1992.

 

 

"Quiet Olympics opening ceremony sees loud public protest over virus concerns" PBS NewsHour 7/23/2021

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  Usually a star-studded show, the Tokyo Olympics opened with a quieter ceremony.  National teams paraded to a nearly empty stadium.  It was noisier outside, as protests against holding the games in the middle of a pandemic continued.  Only 23% of Japan's population is fully vaccinated.  William Brangham speaks to Associated Press reporter Philip Crowther about the situation on the ground in Tokyo.

 

 

"Delayed by a year, Tokyo Olympics kick-off amid COVID-19 fears, protests" PBS NewsHour 7/24/2021

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  A year after they were postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Olympics kicked off in Tokyo, Japan-- but not without controversies.  The opening ceremony was held without spectators and most competitions are being held without an in-person audience.  Meanwhile, as COVID-19 cases rise, public outcry against the Games has grown.  New York Times Tokyo Bureau Chief Motoko Rich joins.