It hasn't even been a week since the Tokyo Olympics 2020 begun and yet, there have been so many headline-making moments by athletes worldwide!
Source: Instagram
And, no, I'm not talking about the sexiness of a certain national athlete that's making news! (Ahem, Welson Sim!)
Some put down their social statements to address the current issues around the world. Here are a few of those!
1. Algerian & Sudanese judokas refused to go up against Israeli opponent
Sudan's Mohamed Abdalrasool withdrew from a Judo match before he was to fight against Israel's Tohar Butbul in the 73kg division.
Source: Instagram
A couple of days before, Algeria's Fethi Nourine did the same to avoid Butbul and was suspended by the International Judo Foundation (IJF).
It's believed that the withdrawn athletes are standing in solidarity for Gaza in the midst of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
2. Philippines's first Olympic gold medal was made in rural Melaka, Malaysia
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz spent a year and a half training in Melaka.
Source: Instagram
She had to face gym closures and a lack of access to training equipment throughout her stay here.
Yet, the 30-year-old competed in the women's 55kg class & bagged the gold on Monday, 26 July. She even broke the world record while she was at it.
3. USA's gymnast, Simone Biles exits Olympics to care for her mental health
Miss Biles showed great courage to put her mental well-being first over anything else- including winning gold for her country.
Source: Instagram
The 24-year-old broke down in tears as she explained her decision to withdraw from the women's team gymnastics final on Tuesday, 27 July.
"It just sucks when you're fighting with your own head," Biles openly said to reporters.
4. First transgender athlete in Olympic history to compete in women's weightlifting
As she aims for gold, 43-year-old Laurel Hubbard will take part in the over 87kg class despite mixed reactions everywhere.
Source: Instagram
The New Zealander's participation will definitely help to overcome the stigma of transgender people in weightlifting. The power of inclusion could be life-saving indeed!
5. Germany's gymnasts rejects 'sexist' dress codes, wears body-covering unitards
The German women's gymnastics team boldly ditched the usual bikini-cut unitards for full-body versions during their qualifications.
Source: Instagram
The ladies definitely branded a statement against 'sexualization' in sports.
"Women should decide what to wear, it's about what feels comfortable," Elizabeth Seitz, one of the gymnasts said.
With the Tokyo Olympics still underway, let's root for our Malaysian athletes and hope for the best!
