The 2020 Tokyo Olympics took place in the most unusual of circumstances, being a year late, being in the Covid-19 pandemic, and having no crowds at the events. There was even uncertainty in the preceding weeks that they would take place, but they did, and they were a success. Not just a success for the host nation delivering a splendid Olympiad, but also of course for our own fantastic Team GB.
Our Olympians have done us proud once again. For us to finish fourth in the medal table was fantastic, with our 65 medals being our second-best performance in an overseas games. Only the USA, China and host nation Japan finished higher than us, all of whom are the three largest economies in the world with vastly larger populations than ours. It is pleasing for the third successive Olympics to be the top European nation, including having beaten Russia.
Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 brought back memories of London 2012, which was truly an incredible time for our country. London 2012 brought everyone together and provided some incredible sporting moments that will last a lifetime. I also have fond memories of seeing the Olympic Torch come through Crawley and visiting the Olympic Park in London in the fortnight after the games and experiencing the incredible buzz that was there at the time.
I recall at the time it being discussed what legacy London 2012 would give us and I think nine years and two Olympics later is a good time to reflect on that. The interest and investment in Olympic sports and the dividend that is having is undeniable. We’ve become a sporting superpower and the challenge now is how to maintain that, although from all accounts, our prospects for Paris 2024 look very good indeed.
The other key legacy is the inspiration for more people to take part in sports and to live healthier lifestyles with more exercise. This has been partially successful but there is still more to do. Sports participation has increased both locally and nationally, but we still have concerning levels of obesity, including in children.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
11th August 2021
