After an unprecedented year-long delay, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics finally kicked off on July 23. It was a much anticipated day for the Ukrainian athletes who have been awaiting for years to try to leave their mark in the world’s sports history.
Although the games are taking place in the summer of 2021, they are still being referred to as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as the organizers decided to keep all of the 2020 brandings including souvenirs, signage, television graphics, apparel and even medals for winning athletes.
The games are taking place in the Japanese capital through Aug. 8. The Paralympic Games will run between Aug. 24-Sept 5.
In this year’s Olympics, Ukraine is represented by 158 athletes who are competing in 25 sports or 30 disciplines, according to the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.
BBC Ukraine previously reported that Ukraine is expecting its best results in judo, bullseye shooting, athletics, fencing, diving, rowing, boxing, gymnastics and synchronized swimming.
On July 24, Ukrainian judoka Daria Bilodid brought Ukraine the first Olympic medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, winning bronze in the 48 kilogram weight category. According to the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, this is the first award in women’s judo in the history of independent Ukraine.
On July 26, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina defeated Australian Ajla Tomljanovi in the second round.
Read Kyiv Post’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics coverage here.
