Tokyo 2020: A tale of two cities
Games show indomitable human spirit amid the pandemic, but will remain mired in controversy for some time.
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WHAT a bittersweet Olympics Tokyo 2020 has been. In many respects, the postponed Games demonstrated the indomitable human spirit not to let the pandemic cancel the 17-day sporting spectacle. Nevertheless, the Games will remain mired in controversy for some time; its legacy complex, if not uncertain.
The long-term financial viability of the world's foremost sporting festival is one. Originally forecasted to cost US$7.4 billion, total spending on hosting the Games has ballooned to more than US$20 billion. Behind the scenes, there was the sense that the International Olympic Council (IOC) had foisted the "Isolation Games" on an unwilling Japanese public.
The Olympic Games is clearly a huge business enterprise. The financial consequences of a cancellation could not be contemplated.
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