The Tokyo Olympics - A Success Or A Fail? You Be The Judge.
COVID was a non-starter, Tokyo went over budget by 400% and then there are Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart.
Photo: Instagram/Olympics
On all accounts, the Tokyo Summer Olympics have gone off without incident, but that doesn't necessarily mean one would consider them a success. We cover the good, the bad and the ugly of this year's Summer Olympics.
Go team go,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Good
You can't talk about this Olympics without talking about COVID. The pandemic delayed the games a year, and while there were fears of a total outbreak, it seems like the precautions worked. A few high-profile athletes like John Rahm (golf) and Coco Gauff (tennis) tested positive, but overall, COVID was a non-event. WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT?
Americans Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky continued to dominate in the pool. He won five gold medals, and she made history, winning her sixth individual gold. There is no word on Dressel's future, but Ledecky has already promised that she'll be back for 2024 in Paris. LIKE A FISH
Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart's commentary on the Olympics was the unsung hero of the Games. They've covered everything from Tonga's shirtless flag bearer to Tom Daley's gold medal-winning synchronized dive. Although our favorite moment has to be their take on the dressage routine by Mopsie, the "rave horse." CAST THAT PONY IN A MUSIC VIDEO
Bad (Turned Positive)
Being a good sport is in the DNA of the Olympics, and we have to look no further than the track and field competition. First, Isaiah Jewett (USA) and Mijel Amous (Botswana) collided during the 800-meter race, falling. The two picked each other up and finished the race together. IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM
In the high jump, after tying Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar) and Gianmarco Tamberi (Italy), were offered a chance to have a jump off to determine a gold medal winner or share the gold. The two agreed to share the gold. The exclamation mark was Tamberi leaping into Barshim's arms to celebrate their co-victory. NICE GUYS TIE FOR GOLD
It seemed like a death sentence for US Women's Gymnastics (and NBC's ratings) when Simone Biles dropped out of the team all-around and subsequent events. But not so fast. With Biles out, her teammates Suni Lee (gold – all-around), Jade Carey (gold – floor) and MyKayla Skinner (silver – vault) all medaled in individual events. Every member of the US Gymnastics team went home with a medal, including Biles, who earned a silver (team all-around) and bronze (beam). STEPPING UP
Ugly
The biggest gut-punch was to the city of Tokyo. It’s estimated that the city spent around $35 billion to put on the Olympics - a far cry from the initial $7.3 billion budget. With the games being delayed a year and no Olympic tourists, it’ll be tough for them to recoup their costs. According to a University of Oxford study, each Olympic Games since 1960 has overrun its budget by 172 percent on average. This Olympics is over by 400 percent. OUCH
It may all work itself out by the end, but the overall TV ratings have been down for the Olympics. Some cite the time difference, confusion on where to catch the coverage and prominent name athletes exiting competition early. The ratings, which are down 42% from Rio 2016, may cause NBC to make right with some advertisers. They sold more than $1.25 billion in commercials and are paying $1.1 billion for broadcast rights. (Keep in mind that doesn't include production costs, salaries, etc). AS LONG AS IT'S IN THE GREEN
Life’s Too Short
The Paul-Mayweather fight ends how no one expected, 1.6 M reasons COVID stinks and Simone Biles does it again.
Life’s too short to be boring and talk about the weather. (No offense to our meteorologists out there).
The one where you’re the smartest person in the room,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Boxing
The Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather boxing match ended in a way no one expected - with a draw. Mayweather, who is regarded as one of the best boxers of all time, complemented Paul, saying he was better than he thought. You might be wondering why the two agreed to fight anyway, and it seems the answer has a lot to do with money. Mayweather said, "I can fight a fighter right now, and I can guarantee myself $35 million, or me and Logan Paul, a YouTuber, we can go out and entertain and have fun and make nine figures. $100 million or more." SO THERE'S THAT
Overtime
Is there anything she can’t do? A few weeks ago, Simone Biles performed the most dangerous vault – the Yurchenko double pike vault – that no female gymnast has dared to try in competition. Yesterday she claimed her seventh U. S. Championship title – the most victories for a woman. Next up are the Olympic trials at the end of the month. Two top scorers at the trial will earn a spot on the Olympic team, and a selection committee will choose the remaining two. SUPER HUMAN
Sideline stat
Just as the world is opening up again, the doors closed for golfer Jon Rahm. Rahm had a significant lead heading into the final round at the Memorial Tournament (PGA – Professional Golfers Association) only to find out on live television that he had tested positive for COVID. He had to forgo the potential victory and the $1.6 million in prize money. OUCH
Coaches’ corner
Canada might change their mind after the last story, but they’re opening up their borders amidst the Stanley Cup playoffs (NHL – National Hockey League). Now they’re allowing teams to cross the border to play in the next round of the playoffs. This allows for Canadian teams in the playoffs to potentially host a home game. Teams must arrive via private plane and are subjected to extra testing. IN THE NICK OF TIME
What to watch
It’s been a wild week at the French Open (tennis). First, Naomi Osaka drops out, and now Serena Williams is out (lost in the fourth round), and so is Roger Federer (knee). The good news is that the excitement isn’t over. American Coco Gauff, 17, has moved onto the next round, and so has last year’s champion, Iga Swiatek. CAN’T WIN ‘EM ALL