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What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Inspiring Tokyo Olympic Games is just the tonic we need in these COVID times

Peter FiorenzaGeraldton Guardian
Jessica Fox after receiving her gold medal for the women’s canoe slalom final.
Camera IconJessica Fox after receiving her gold medal for the women’s canoe slalom final. Credit: Harry How/Getty Images

Gee, the Tokyo Games are a fantastic distraction.

For the past 10 days, it has been such a relief to see the COVID-19 saga headlines being shared — or on some occasions superseded by inspiring news from the Olympics.

In the 1930s, Australia, like the rest of the world, was suffering. Just like they are now, but back then it was due to what became known as the Great Depression.

During that time, it was sport that provided a welcome distraction for our nation.

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Famous cricketer Don Bradman proved a beacon for many.

While thousands would flock to watch Bradman in action at the SCG and the MCG, millions around the country would listen to live radio broadcasts.

While many Australians were dealing with job losses and bankruptcy from English banks, Bradman was leading the Australian cricket team, dominating England out on the pitch.

Bradman put a smile on the faces of many, continually creating feel-good moments.

And I reckon that’s what the Australian team is doing for us in Tokyo right now.

MORE WHAT I SEE

While writing this piece, the feats of our swimmers have made us all so proud, headed up by the very humble Ariarne Titmus.

And it is that trademark, humble attitude that has certainly shone through.

When Titmus spoke to the media after her impressive first-up gold medal win, she was happy, but already focused on her and the Australian swim team’s upcoming challenges.

And the humbleness has only been rivalled by the incredible back stories of so many of our athletes.

Australia’s Saya Sakakibara is stretchered off after crashing during the women’s BMX racing semifinal.
Camera IconAustralia’s Saya Sakakibara is stretchered off after crashing during the women’s BMX racing semifinal. Credit: DANNY LAWSON/AAPIMAGE

While poor Sydney has been coping with an extended COVID-19 lockdown, these individuals have grabbed our imagination.

We have been encouraged by Olympic poster girl Jessica Fox and her quest for gold, spurred on by a remarkable family interest, through to surfer Owen Wright, who took out the bronze medal.

Wright’s journey was one of heartache, suffering a traumatic brain injury following the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii in 2015, making his feat even more remarkable.

And what about the heart-wrenching story of BMX siblings Saya and Kai Sakakibara. Kai suffered a career-ending injury in competition before the Games, but his sister was set for success, until a mishap in a lead-up race ended her chances.

For me — being a big softy — Tokyo is proving to be a somewhat emotional ride.

The other day, I was sitting in a waiting room and got chatting to a lady who was also in the queue. The moment I started talking Olympics, her eyes lit up.

There is no doubt they have been a positive distraction, a distraction that can make us all feel good — and so proud.

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