Tokyo Olympics: What You Need to Know Right Now

The Tokyo Olympics changed how the world watches sport — held in 2021 but still called Tokyo 2020, postponed by a pandemic and staged with strict health rules and limited crowds. If you missed parts of it or want a quick refresher, this page breaks down the biggest moments, the new sports that arrived, and simple ways to follow highlights or replays.

Top moments to remember

There were plenty of unforgettable performances. Simone Biles’ withdrawal and later return sparked global conversations about mental health in elite sport. Japan celebrated new heroes in judo and baseball, while athletes like Caeleb Dressel and Elaine Thompson-Herah dominated the pool and track. New events — skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing and karate — brought fresh energy and younger fans into the mix. And yes, the Games still produced classic underdog stories and surprise medal runs you’ll want to rewatch.

Beyond medals, Tokyo stood out for the unusual atmosphere: most venues had few or no fans, ceremonies were pared down, and broadcasters adapted with more behind-the-scenes content. That created a different kind of viewing experience — more focus on athletes, less on crowd noise.

How to follow the Games and catch highlights

Want live action or just the best moments? Start with official sources: your national broadcaster often has live rights and full replays. The Olympic Channel and the IOC’s official website also host highlights, athlete profiles and full-session replays. If you use streaming platforms, check their sports sections and schedule alerts so you don’t miss finals in your time zone.

Pro tip: set reminders for finals and medal sessions, not heats. Finals are when the storylines and best moments happen, and many channels post condensed highlight reels within hours. Use social feeds for instant clips — official Olympic accounts and top sports journalists usually post verified highlights fast.

Looking for deep dives? Search for athlete interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and technical breakdowns of events like gymnastics or track tactics. These extras explain why a performance mattered beyond the medal and make replays more interesting.

Whether you care about records, human stories, or new sports, Tokyo’s Olympics left plenty to watch and learn from. Bookmark this page for quick reminders of standout events, tips on where to watch, and the names you should follow next time the Olympic flame goes up.