The Tokyo Diaries Preview – Part 6 of 6
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By Keith Miller
Tennis
The interesting component to this event may be trying to work out who will physically turn up on the day. So many big names out, and whilst a lot of those have been Covid forced, several others have also taken the opportunity simply to rest up – which just goes to show how far down the pecking order the Olympics is for tennis. Why bother.
Nine days of competition, with times made up as they go along.
Trampoline Gymnastics
On the Olympic schedule since Sydney in 2020, this is a sport that has become a bit of a sleeper. It’s almost impossible to watch and not be awestruck at the courage and athleticism on show. Reaching heights that should really only be achieved by those with feathers, these athletes deserve a solid watch – if only for the Time of Flight element, first introduced in 2012.
Just the two days of competition here, so look out for it – 30th July for the Women, the following day for the Men. The two session times each day start at 4pm and 7.50pm.
Triathlon
Another to debut in Sydney, and another sport where medals have been split equally – 13 countries have won the 30 on offer to date. Everyone knows the physical ability required to even get out of bed to watch the event, let alone swim 1.5km, ride for 40km and waltz quietly into a 10km run. A really interesting addition to the calendar is the mixed relay event, where two women and two men tackle a reduced course. Should be a fun watch.
Perfect brunch viewing – the gun fires on the Men’s race (26th July) and the Women’s (27th July) at 9.30am here, with the mixed event on 31st July at 10.30am.
Volleyball
There may have been a few changes to the game’s format over the years, but Volleyball has always been a staple sport of the Olympics. The power and speed of the game makes for captivating viewing, and the athleticism on display can be incredible. The Brazilian men will most likely be favourites, as will the Chinese women, but in this sport, there are always opportunities for the odd upset or two, and the odd spot of controversy .
A whopping 16 days of competition, with the finals on the penultimate and final days of the calendar. All pool play starts at noon, with the last of six games on at 12.45am.
Water Polo
The under surface camera coverage has been a bit of a revelation for Water Polo, so probably just as well it wasn’t available in 1956. This is yet another sport that gains momentum throughout the competition and the times are very friendly here. For the viewer not familiar with the sport, it can take a bit of getting used to – but it can be fantastic watch.
The viewing is similar to Volleyball, with a slightly later start (and much shorter game durations). The Golds will be contested at 7.30pm on 7th August (for the Women) and for the Men, it is the same time the following day.
Weightlifting
Ahh…weightlifting. The sport that is always the odds-o n to be the first to have an athlete suspended due to drug use. That aside, the competition is always spectacular and a must watch at any Games. Tears of joy will be shed, hearts (and possibly bones) will be broken, and there will most likely be a spectacular fainting episode. What more could you ask for?
10 days of competition with medals on offer on each day. Session start times are from 12.50pm to 10.50pm.
Wrestling
One of the absolute Olympic classics. It is a real shame the average punter has no idea what is going on most of the time.
There are 7 days of competition (late in the calendar), with medals on the last 6 of those. Competition start at 2pm, then goes on from there depending on how long each bout goes.
And, of course, the Laurel Hubbard factor.
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You can find more on the Tokyo Diaries, here.