The Intelligence from The Economist A dangerous games? A muted start to the Olympics
Jul 23, 2021
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, shares insightful perspectives on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics amidst a state of emergency. He discusses the disheartening atmosphere with no spectators, raising questions about the legacy of these Games. Snyder highlights local athletes' unique struggles without home crowd support and ongoing controversies surrounding COVID-19 and financial implications. The conversation also touches on broader issues of justice related to Northern Ireland's history, creating a thought-provoking exploration of resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Somber Olympics
- The Tokyo 2020 Olympics began under a state of emergency due to rising COVID-19 cases.
- Public sentiment is somber, with many wanting the Games to end quickly without becoming a super-spreader event.
Olympic Controversies
- An archer fainted from heat exhaustion during a competition.
- The creative director resigned after old Holocaust jokes resurfaced, adding to the existing controversies.
Athlete Restrictions
- Athletes face strict COVID-19 protocols, including daily testing and mandatory masks.
- Their movement is restricted to accommodations and competition venues.