Amid The Pandemic, Tokyo Olympics 2020 Gave Us Moments Of Love, Kindness & Friendship

The Olympics are known to be the most competitive platform for sports. Athletes train for years to secure a place here. They have the hopes and dreams of an entire nation behind them. The cutthroat competition gets too much at times.

However, multiple acts of kindness have added a wonderful touch to Tokyo 2020. Athletes have cheered each other on, hugged their competitors, and created countless moments that made our world feel more connected than it has in a long time.

Here are five wholesome and heartwarming moments that are sure to bring a smile to your face:

Sharing the gold medal with a friend

Emotions ran high as Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim decided to share the gold medal for high jump after both athletes cleared 2.37m. Their celebrations for a joint first place became one of the most memorable displays of sportsmanship in Olympic Games history. Tamberi leaped into his friend’s arms, then belly-flopped onto the hard track and rolled around before screaming with joy.

“This is beyond sport,” Barshim said. “This is the message we deliver to the young generation.”

Self-care is the best care

With four gold medals at just 24 years of age, Simone Biles is considered the greatest of all time. However, when she pulled out of the team gymnastics final citing mental health reasons, the world acknowledged that she showed immense courage.

She chose self-care and that is arguably more valuable than another medal for the trophy room.

Just an Olympic gold medallist knitting by the poolside

British diver Tom Daley went viral when he was spotted knitting by the pool while watching the women’s 3m springboard final. It was only made better when he revealed he was knitting a dog jumper. Daley, who has an entire Instagram page dedicated to his love for knitting and stitching, also made a cosy for his first-ever gold medal to stop it from getting scratched. The proceeds from his Instagram page are used to help LGBTQIA+ causes.

It’s not just about winning, it’s also the sportsmanship

The Indian women’s hockey team’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As millions watched the much-awaited bronze play-off, they not only witnessed some outstanding performances, but also the true spirit of sportsmanship when Britain’s hockey team consoled Team India and acknowledged their efforts. This match was about so much more than winning.

A friend indeed

Kenyan runner Abel Mutai, was only a few meters from the finish line, but got confused with the signs and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. Ivan Fernandez, (Spanish speaking) was right behind him and, realizing what was going on, started shouting to the Kenyan to keep running. Mutai did not know Spanish and did not understand. Realizing what was going on, Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory. A reporter asked Ivan, “Why did you do this?” Ivan replied, “My dream is that one day we can have some sort of community life where we push ourselves and also others to win.”

We at Donatekart believe in equal opportunities, equal rights, inclusion, and kindness. You can support NGOs and people lending a helping hand to those in need here.