Tokyo Olympics empowering moments: The enormous number of participants and games make Olympics one of the biggest sporting events in the world. We get to hear endless stories of challenges, hard work and perseverance everyday. Amidst all the difficulties, the athletes have strived to not only achieve their goal but inspire and empower us this year. As we gradually near the end of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, here's looking back at five most empowering moments from the event,
Five Tokyo Olympics empowering moments to cherish
1. Mirabai Chanu winning silver
Mirabai Chanu became the first Indian athlete to win a silver this year after lifting 84 and 87 kilograms of weight. With her victory, Chanu went on to become the second Indian woman to win a silver at Olympics. Taking to her Instagram handle, the weightlifter called it a "dream come true" moment for her.
2. Germany's women gymnasts standing up against sexism
In defiance of the "sexualisation" of the sport, Germany's women gymnasts participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics wearing full-body unitards. This costume was in contrast to their usual bikini-cut leotards. The team was first seen wearing these long-suits at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in April this year.
3. Simone Biles withdrawing from Olympics and making a comeback
American Gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics event citing mental health issues. She wanted to overcome twisties (a condition where the mind and body are not in sync). But she made a comeback within a week and bagged the bronze medal in the balancing beam final event. With this, she won 7 medals at the Olympics.
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4. Tom Daley's love for knitting and impassioned LGBTQ speech
Breaking age old stereotypes of knitting being exclusively for women, British Diver Tom Dalley was spotted knitting on the Olympics stands as he watched the Women's diving final. Not only that, he also made a pouch for his gold medal to carry it easily without the fear of damaging it. Click here to read more on Dalley's love for knitting.
As a message to the young LBTQ community, Daley said, "I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone and that you can achieve anything. There is a whole lot of your chosen family out here ready to support you."
5. Bhavani Devi becoming India's first fencer to win a match at Olympics
Bhavani Devi is India's first fencer to qualify for the Olympics. Winning against Nadia Azizi, she became the first Indian to win a fencing match at the Olympics. Though she lost the match against Manon Buret, she is a true inspiration. The thought of quitting the sport did cross her mind but she finally decided against it and created a benchmark.
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