Inside OutEnjoy the Tokyo Olympics – it may be the last of its kind

The difficulties of the Tokyo Games have shone a light on the Olympics’ economic model, under threat from rising costs and shrinking profits

As climate awareness grows, another serious threat looms: how to justify the carbon costs?

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Gold medallist swimmers Ryan Murphy, Caeleb Dressel, Zach Apple, and Michael Andrew, from the US, carry a flag reading “Thank you Tokyo” after winning the final of the men’s 4x100m medley relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on August 1. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:45am, 2 Aug 2021Updated: 6:45am, 2 Aug 2021

Let us sit back, relax and enjoy while we can, the simple, innocent pleasures of watching around 11,000 brilliant athletes perform unimaginable feats in and around Tokyo. Because this long-delayed 2020 Olympic Games may be one of the last of its kind.

In many ways, this Olympics is an epic exercise in stress management. Not only has the pandemic forced a year of delay, and almost-military enforcement of health security protocols to keep Covid-19 at bay, but it has tested the Olympic commercial model as never before, and will leave Tokyo burdened with losses.

As much attention has been given to the physical and mental stress put on athletes as to their extraordinary skills and achievements. The climate crisis has added to stress as Olympic organisers have had to count carbon emissions meticulously.

Widespread public opposition among normally compliant Japanese citizens took the event to the brink of cancellation, and prompted Toyota, one of the top event sponsors, to cancel its Olympic TV advertising.

Protesters shout slogans during a rally against the Olympic Games in Tokyo on June 6. Photo: EPA-EFE

So when I predict that the Tokyo Olympics may be the last of its kind, I am not joking – and change may come quicker than imagined.