March 11, 2021
The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay began its 121-day journey through Japan, leading up to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fukushima, Japan | Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee
The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay began on March 25, 2021, embarking on a 121-day journey through Japan that would culminate in the opening ceremony of the postponed Olympics. The event was a significant moment, marking both a return to Olympic traditions and an adaptation necessitated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Initially planned for 2020, the Games and consequently the relay were delayed due to the pandemic, leading to this memorable relaunch.
The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics was originally scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 9, 2020. As the pandemic spread worldwide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo organizers made the unprecedented decision to postpone the event—an action never before taken in Olympic history for reasons other than war. The decision required significant logistic adjustments, including replanning the torch relay which aims to build excitement and unity leading up to the Games.
The torch relay commenced in Fukushima Prefecture, a location exquisitely chosen to symbolize recovery and resilience. Fukushima was one of the areas most affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the start of the relay there underscored a theme of “Hope Lights Our Way.” The relay’s route was designed to pass through all 47 prefectures of Japan, highlighting cultural diversity and regional heritage across the nation.
Adhering to the necessary safety guidelines during the pandemic, adjustments were made to the relay’s execution. Spectators were encouraged to maintain social distancing, and local municipalities had the authority to restrict public access or modify routes if conditions necessitated. Organizers implemented health protocols to protect runners and the public, emphasizing a “people’s torch” grounded in safety and unity.
The Tokyo 2020 torch relay served not only as a herald of the upcoming Olympic Games but also as a poignant symbol of human perseverance and adaptability in facing global challenges. It highlighted the spirit of international cooperation needed to stage a worldwide event amid a public health crisis and offered a sense of hope and celebration of human spirit and athletic excellence.
The start and progression of this torch relay were covered extensively, reflecting the anticipation and resilience of the athletes, organizers, and participants, as they moved closer to what became one of the most unusual yet momentous Olympic Games in history.
Source: www.olympic.org