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Comradery in the wake of Covid-19 | Elizabeth Abayomi

Comradery is an important life skill that can be defined as the bond that ties two or more parties together alongside self-sacrifice and courage, it is the spirit that guides athletes along their journey of self-discovery whilst also attaining victory for the people and/ or country they represent. The 2021 Olympic Games, held in Tokyo, is the epitome of countries putting aside their ideological differences on the partisan battleground to surrender to being people before countries and maintain positive, healthy relationships with the opposing team. The competition, in each of the games, with the possibility of winning the respect and admiration of the world motivates partakers of the sport to be the best version of themselves in the environment – it is of paramount importance to deliver what will be recorded both on and off-camera. Essentially, it is integral to visibly illustrate signs of respect to those in a contest that may not quicken your steps in lane but do share the zeal that meant they too could partake in the event. In this vein, the Olympic Games promotes social values that can nurture the ties that hold different people together – sport, as well as language, unites us. The International Olympic Committee enshrines the three Olympic values, of excellence, friendship and respect into the hearts and minds of those in the field/ track/ space and in the audience absorbing the values that are being demonstrated before their senses. Furthermore, a genuine impact of increased consumer satisfaction, social media whir; and increased utility, that stems from national pride, creates a ripple effect in the wider economy – when analyzing the psychology of the worker, most notably it is recognized that overall productivity in the field of work increases causing a boost in national output.

Since the pandemic began, the Olympic Games solidified the entire world together, in hope of greater interconnectivity and the prospect of bringing an array of countries together in safety, fairness and sport. Additionally, it is striking that the Games was postponed to 2021 due to the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Despite this, Tokyo retained the brand ‘Tokyo 2020’ highlighting the actuality of the sporting schedule in the depths of recording history in honour of the ancient origins that emerged from Olympia.

As an example to demonstrate the extent to which the Games develops high spirits for a significant number of people, in Keirin an individual made a mark in track cycling history by crossing the line and securing their seventh gold medal. Rewards aside, the ability to retain a title alone amidst the whizz of other cyclists approaching your back reveals the intricacies of being a winner – the feeling of being in a competition is fleeting as you are surrounded by those who also share a deep appreciation for the sense of belonging. It is inimitable to those who are partakers of the games and not simply eager bystanders that find it ineffable to pertain their excitement to an objective reason. Although it may appear unorthodox to value an international sporting event that continues to flow through the tides of history, regardless of whether it may become obsolete, the labyrinth of things that brings joy in the roots and foundations of humanity includes the tradition of holding an Olympic game; it is irrevocable to have a sanguine approach towards hosting the Games. There may be an edge to those that perceive the Games as inauspicious as they do not bring direct, material advantages to those that are not performing but instead watching and/ or hearing about the indispensable smiles generated from the physical activities.

Indeed, many people may position themselves in terrestra incognita and claim they do not have the physique or patience to engage in a game that continues to stand in appreciation for its past successes from 776 BC in Olympia to the present day. Notwithstanding, the future is now. There are always new boundaries to cross and together we can cross them; discover what it means to make history in the sporting arena and find fulfilment in what we do, the happiness we share. Overall, it is consequential to maintain that sense of comradery during technologically apocalyptic times. Till then, the light passes on to Paris 2021. Arigato Tokyo.

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