Olympian efforts

Midday today, GMT, sees the start of an Olympic Games that reflects the controversies of our time: several Tokyo 2020 officials have resigned over offensive things they have said or done in the past, and it is anticipated that some athletes will take the knee.

But the most unusual thing about the Games will be the emptiness. Spectators are banned due to Covid and many athletes intend to sit out the opening ceremony. On Olympic eve, six British track and field athletes, two athletics staff members and two people on the headquarters staff were forced to isolate after they were identified as having had close contact with a Covid case.

This should not dampen the ambitions of the athletes, however – on the contrary, the success of the Euros demonstrated what greatness can yet be achieved and how brilliantly sport can lift the spirits. Team GB, brimming with talent, is the largest ever taken to foreign soil, ranging from a 13-year-old skateboarder, Sky Brown, to the 54-year-old equestrian Carl Hester. Ones to watch include Taekwondo star Jade Jones (victory in Tokyo would make three Olympic gold medals in a row), track cyclist Laura Kenny (Britain’s most decorated female Olympian), serial recordbreaking swimmer Adam Peaty and Sir Andy Murray, here defending his title.

Few Olympic Games have escaped controversy or challenges – even 2012 was assailed by selfdoubt before its triumphant start transfixed the world and silenced the critics – but the sportsmen typically transcend their challenges with verve and talent. As things slowly return to normal, an exciting display of effort, teamwork and individual excellence is welcome indeed.