Western News is sharing some amazing journeys of athletes participating in Team Canada, highlighting expert insights on issues and trends about this unprecedented Olympic event, and rooting for the Canadian delegation as we follow the Games being held July 23 to Aug. 8.
Here’s a roundup of Western News stories on the Tokyo Olympics.
Expert insights: Why women are owning the podium for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics
Canadian women are owning the podium at the Tokyo Olympics. But why? Read more.
Canada’s women softball team celebrating their win at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Olympic Committee
Stripped-down Olympics to be a Games-changer
Athletes will soar, records will fall and inspiring stories will live on for decades. And of all the tales that will emerge from the Tokyo Olympics, the most enduring might be that of the world’s premier multi-sports event at a turning point. Read more.
The medals at the Tokyo Olympics are recycled from parts of electronic devices. Credit: Tokyo Olympics 2020
The race to row in Tokyo
Western grads Jen Martins and Jill Moffatt are part of Team Canada’s biggest Olympic rowing team in recent history. The journey was fraught with challenges, but these Mustangs alumni are ready for the race to take their place at the Olympic podium. Read more.
In 2019, Martins (third from left) and Moffatt (third from right) rowed together in the Canada Cup
Western alumni support athletes’ Olympic dreams
Two accomplished Western alumni are helping vault Team Canada to success as they play key organizational and motivational roles at the Tokyo Olympics. David Shoemaker is CEO of the Canada Olympic Committee, and Marnie McBean is chef de mission, leader of Canada’s team of athletes, coaches and support staff. Read more.
The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 23 to August 8, 2021. Photo courtesy of Tokyo 2020
Expert insights: Delay of Olympic Games helped improve athletes’ performance
After an unprecedented delay due to a once-in-a-century global health crisis, the Tokyo Games are finally ready to begin. Yet the athletes, like the Games themselves, have changed. Jane Thornton, sport medicine physician and Canada Research Chair in injury prevention and physical activity for health, explains in this commentary. Read more.
Olympic athletes continue to thrive and break records during the pandemic.
Mustangs represent at Tokyo Olympics
As the Tokyo Summer Olympics get underway, Western is cheering on its Mustangs alumni who will be participating as athletes, coaches and officials at this year’s Games. Read more.
Monument of Olympic Rings displayed at Tokyo’s Odaiba Marine Park Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-2.0
Expert insights: People’s health is not fair game
The International Olympic Committee and the World Health Organization are putting host nation, athletes at risk at Tokyo Olympics, writes MacIntosh Ross, Western professor of kinesiology, in this recent commentary. Read more.
Tokyo2020 sign in Sapporo, Hokkaido
Expert insights: Tokyo Olympics will be the Games of all mothers
Men have historically dominated elite sport for centuries, but thanks in part to the advocacy of organizations like the IOC Women in Sport Commission, global female representation in sport is greater than ever. Read more
Canada versus Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics, 3 August 2016.
Expert insights: Banned from the Tokyo Olympics for pot?
The recent suspension of American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who was supposed to be heading to the Tokyo Olympic Games, for testing positive for marijuana has once again raised questions about what drugs should be banned from sports. Read more.
Photo by Kyle Dias via Unsplash
Team Canada rugby player credits Western years
Engaging in multiple sports helped Mustang Conor Trainor, BESc’13, evolve into an elite athlete who has earned a place on Team Canada’s men’s rugby 7’s team competing in the Tokyo Olympics. Read more.
Conor Trainor is competing in the Olympics for the first time as part of Team Canada’s men’s rugby 7’s team. Photo courtesy of Conor Trainor
Mind over matter for Mustangs swimmer
Mental preparation is just as important as physical stamina for Olympic swimmer and Mustang Samantha Roberts. The two-time Olympian, who will be entering her fourth year at Brescia University College this fall, is in Tokyo representing her home country Antigua and Barbuda in the women’s 50m freestyle event. Read more.
Mustang swimmer Samantha Roberts is competing in the 50m women’s freestyle for her home country Antigua in the Tokyo Olympics. Photo by Emerald Iris Arts
