The Tokyo 2020 Games just finished, despite the tough global situation regarding the pandemic, and some countries refusing to participate. For the next few stories, there will be various stories covering the events, athletes and experiences of the staff. There will also be an exclusive interview of an intern who worked to support the Games in the Japanese capital, published in the coming weeks.

1)

Carli Loyd is a 39 year old female American Football (soccer) player, competing in Tokyo 2020’s football tournament. She led the US Women’s Team to 3rd Place in the tournament, and also became the US’ top Olympic goalscorer, with 2 goals added to her tally during the tournament. This made her record jump to 10 total goals in her Olympic career.

The football USWNT unfortunately failed to reclaim the throne after a shock exit in the Rio de Janeiro Games back in 2016, however they secured their 6th medal spot in 7 participated Olympic Games.

Carli deserves a lot of respect, especially regarding the fact that footballers usually retire from the top level of the competition at around 35-37.

2)

Mary Hanna, an equestrian competitor representing Australia at 66 years of age, was the oldest competitor in the Games. Her life story is very interesting, as explained  in an interview with Horse & Hound . She was raised in a family where horse riding was normal to do, and was part of her life.

“Ours was a very horsey family, it was compulsory. If you didn’t ride you didn’t get fed practically. We rode to do the stock work, it was just part of life. I didn’t really get into dressage properly until I married my first husband who was Danish. He brought me over to Europe and introduced me to true competitive dressage.”

What is even more surprising, is that she is still aiming to continue competing at the highest level!

“It’s only three years away, unless my body really breaks down, I’m certainly aiming for Paris.”

3)

Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina, aged 46, fought her last Olympic competition in Tokyo, after a long and decorated career, winning 11 gold medals at 17 world championships while representing the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan, and Germany.

She has several moves that are credited with her name on the tricks, notably the the front handspring piked front full-on vault and the full-twisting double layout on the floor.

In a past interview, she mentioned about her age and the competing.

“On the podium, everyone is the same, whether you are 40 or 16. You have to go out and do your routine and jumps. But it’s a pity there are no points for age,” she told the Associated Press in 2016.

The legend of the game will be remembered forever in the gymnastics community. She will retire with an Olympic record of eight consecutive appearances.

The Sports team of the CGA Press will continue to cover experiences of athletes that you could be in the same classroom everyday. Look out for new articles released on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.