China has been unfazed by diplomatic boycotts by the west. In Beijing’s eyes, the Olympics still have broad support by many nations and, importantly, corporate sponsors.
The Olympic flag is lowered during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics – the first Games to be held without spectators because of concerns of spreading COVID-19.
(AP Photo/David Goldman)
The Olympics will have to be adaptable in order to keep up with the rapidly shifting economic landscape and changing interest in the Games if it wants to continue to turn massive profits.
The lack of spectators at Tokyo 2020 will be a stark contrast to the crowds at Rio 2016.
Javier Etxezarreta/EPA-EFE
Many Canadians point to the 1976 Montréal Games as the reason why the country should never host another Olympics. But an Olympian argues the Montréal Games had many lasting benefits.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir lead Team Canada into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-COC, Jason Ransom
It would seem obvious athletes are the most important part of the Olympics. But competing issues, from sponsorship rules to politics, means the rights of athletes aren’t always the top priority.