Shortly after Olympic swimmer Lydia Jacoby won her first gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games, she graced the podium wearing a white jersey, her red hair tied in a bun and her face hidden under an N95 mask. Ta. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, American athletes had to wear their own medals around their necks. Her parents watched her on television from Florida, as her family was prohibited from attending.
What a difference three years have made! The pandemic is over and the Summer Olympics will be held in Paris this year. Fans from all over the world can visit the Olympics and feel proud and encouraged for their favorite athletes. Athletes can cheer, hug, and smile for photos with their parents, siblings, and friends.
In addition to exploring familiar locations, visitors to one of the world's greatest cities can also watch an equestrian competition at Versailles or boxing or tennis at Roland Garros. There's a lot that everyone can look forward to, including Mr. Jacoby.
“I'm really looking forward to going out with everyone because I don't have to worry about it,” she said in an interview with the Monitor. She plans to stay in Paris after the swim event and explore the city. Her experience this time will be exactly like the Olympics she imagined when she was a child. She is especially looking forward to the closing ceremony, saying, “I was so disappointed that I couldn't attend last time.''
This year's Olympics may not just welcome international sports. For two weeks, the world will enjoy a respite from global conflicts and people will be able to cheer, laugh and cry for a good cause. There's no talk about elections or natural disasters or what world leaders must do to solve problems. When the first Olympic games begin in July, it will be a signal for celebration. The winner can then bow again and have someone award the medal to them.
