Olympics offer a lesson in perseverance and an attempt at normalcy

In a time in which a global pandemic delayed the Tokyo Olympics a year, and threatened to derail the games altogether, organizers still managed to put forth a full, 17-day extravaganza. Here's a look back at some of the highlights, and a few shortcomings.

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Sports

August 9, 2021 - 8:46 AM

Fans watch the fireworks for the closing ceremonies outside Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Sunday. Photo by Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / TNS

TOKYO — A tropical storm swept into the city before dawn, gusts of wind bringing heavy clouds and drenching rain, as if the Tokyo Olympics didn’t have enough problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic had forced a year’s postponement and, with much of Japan still in a state of emergency, cancellation remained possible to the last moment.

Even as the massive sporting event lurched ahead, spectators were banned, leaving athletes to compete in eerily quiet stadiums and arenas.

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