Looks like the Olympics will go ahead this year no matter what.
Atsushi Tomura/Getty ImagesAfter being postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, all signs point to the Olympics actually taking place in 2021. Medical organizations and top doctors are currently protesting that decision, but for all intents and purposes it looks like the Summer Olympics will take place.
When will the 2020 Olympics take place?
The opening ceremony kicks off on July 23, 2021 and the closing ceremony takes place Aug. 9, 2021.
What's the schedule?
You can check out the full, updated schedule here.
Will the Olympics be canceled again?
Good question. Some reports stated that, privately, some Japanese politicians openly believed the Olympics would have to be canceled a second time. However, the IOC president disputed that claim, saying he believes the Olympics would absolutely go ahead as scheduled.
However, Japan is currently suffering from a spike in COVID-19 infections. Only 3.5% of the Japanese population has been vaccinated at time of writing and a petition to cancel the the Olympics has been signed by hundreds of thousands of people. Despite this, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga believes Japan can run a "a safe and secure Olympics".
How will Japan keep the Olympics safe from COVID-19?
Japan has been the process of issuing protocols in an attempt to keep the Olympics safe. Those participating in the Olympics will have to use Japan's COCOA Exposure Notification app and be tested for COVID-19 every four days.
Vaccinations aren't mandatory for Olympic athletes taking part in the games, but many countries are making sure all of its athletes are vaccinated before attending.
The IOC has released a number of "playbooks" for participants, staff and journalists covering the Olympics. If you're curious, you can read here
Why isn't it called the 2021 Olympics?
Another good question. But yes, despite the fact it's taking place in 2021, these Olympics are still being officially referred to as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Can audiences attend the Olympics?
Tickets initially sold out for the Tokyo Olympics back in 2020, but as of right now we're not sure whether fans will be able to attend events. We know for sure that international spectators won't be able to attend. All overseas folks have had their tickets refunded.
2020 Olympics logo
The logo is this checkered circle, designed by Tokyo-based artist Asao Tokolo.
"This chequered design in the traditional Japanese color of indigo blue expresses a refined elegance and sophistication that exemplifies Japan," the International Olympic Committee explains. The three different shapes within the pattern represent diversity, equality and excitement.
How to watch the Olympics
The Olympics is back on NBC, with a 24/7 stream online if you verify you're a cable subscriber. NBCSports Gold will have a dedicated Olympics package -- pay an upfront fee and you'll be able to watch anywhere, uninterrupted by ads.
Tokyo is 16 hours ahead of the West Coast, so watching live should get a good spread of events. It's a little trickier on the East Coast, where you may have to rely on highlights.
The BBC will cover the games on TV, radio and online in the UK, with more on Eurosport, a pay-TV channel. The time difference there is 8 hours, so you'll have to get up very early in the morning to watch live.
In Australia, the Seven Network will spread free-to-air coverage over Channel Seven, 7Mate and 7Two. It's a good year for watching Down Under, with Sydney only an hour ahead of Tokyo.
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What events are new?
There are six new and returning Olympic sports to pay attention to. Missing in London and Rio, men's baseball and women's softball are back due to their huge popularity in Japan. Five nations will join the hosts in contesting for gold on the diamond. (Just don't ask me to explain how they qualify.) Karate, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding are also new, in a "How do you do, fellow kids?" move by the IOC. In the same vein, basketball adds a three-on-three tournament for eight nations. Rugby sevens, a variant that features seven players on each side, and golf return after debuting in Rio.
Where is the next Olympics?
Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics, having lost out to London in 2012. America gets a shot in 2028, when it'll be in Los Angeles. The Olympics website has cool pages on every games of the modern era, going back to Athens in 1896.
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