Sportco's List of the Most Inspirational Stories at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 - Part 1

The Olympics games have always been a platform where, along with the immense talent of the players, have also helped people convey various statements and emotions. 

Like every edition, the Summer Olympics Tokyo 2020 has also given us a number of rags to riches stories. Emotional and inspiring stories, odds-defying acts, young buds striking gold, and a 58-year old winning a medal.

"The only victory that counts is the one over yourself."

-Jesse Owens.

Yes, the tournament has been the flavor of various events and a platform where humanity holds to prosper unification. Today, Sportco brings you a collection of the most inspiring stories of players so far at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

1) Hidilyn Diaz- The Golden lady of the Philippines

The first time the Philippines took part in the biggest sporting event was way back in 1924. The Philippines prior to this Olympics had 3 silvers and 7 bronze. 

However, it is after 96 years that the Nation claimed its first-ever gold at the Olympics with the help of weight-lifter Hidilyn Diaz winning gold at the 55-kg women’s event. 

The Filipino weight-lifter showed great character and even before she let the weights down, the 30-year-old was seen break to tears as the intensity of her achievement was immense. 

Although this is not the first time Diaz made her Nation glory as earlier in the 2016 Rio Olympics she ended the 20-year medal-less run of Philippines. 

Her journey was not simple to any extent of imagination, she found it difficult to keep her training going throughout the pandemic period. But she ensured she stayed in proper shape by making her own weights at her home. A true definition of commitment. 

Her excellence does not confine to the weights as she is also a serving officer for the Philippines Air force and was awarded the Miltary Merit Medal and Presidential Citation unit badge. 

Hence, Hidilyn Diaz's achievement for the Philippines is part of Sportco's inspiring stories of the Tokyo Olympics 2020. She is really the golden lady of the Philippines!

2) Abdullah Al-Rashidi- Age is just a number

If someone questions your ability based on your age, call Abdullah Al-Rashidi of Kuwait. This man does not believe in such things as age. The 58-year old defied all the odds and obstacles that were against him to claim the bronze medal in the skeet shooting event. 

With Kuwait being suspended by the IOC, the 58-year old had to compete under the independent country category. But he wasted no time in wrapping himself with the Kuwaiti flag even though it was against the protocols. After all, it is about unity.

Abdullah Al-Rashidi also managed to create history at the 2016 Rio Olympics by claiming bronze in the same event and he made his intentions quite clear that he is not yet ready to hang his boots.

3) Flora Duffy- 1 in 64,000

Sometimes it gets difficult for even the highly populated countries to produce world-class athletes. But, that is not the case with Bermuda, a country with a population of just 64,000. 

Flora Duffy created history during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by making Bermuda the least populated country ever to win a gold medal. 

Duffy overhauled Georgia Taylor-Brown of Great Britain and Katie Zaferes of the United States at the women's triathlon to win Bermuda their first-ever gold medal and overall second medal at the biggest stage.

In 2018, Duffy was appointed as an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sports in Bermuda. The 33-year old is also the only triathlete in WTS history to post the fastest swim, run, and bike portions in the very same race.

4) Bhavani Devi- The Indian Swordswoman

Olympics is not just about winning but the journey of each and every athlete. The Indian fencer Bhavani Devi has already made herself into the history books as the first-ever Indian to qualify for fencing at the Olympics. 

Her journey to the biggest platform has not been easy as she was struck with a huge blow when her father passed away in the year 2019. 

Devi was left little to no support at all to fund her training expenses and there came an extent to when her mother had to sell their valuables to help her achieve her dream. 

Yes, The 27-year old made her mother and motherland proud by ticking a new sport in the books of the Nation and she didn’t disappoint the followers as she put up strong performances on her debut. 

With age very much on her side, she is likely to come back stronger in the next edition and her sheer commitment and perseverance are likely to be rewarded in the future. 

Bhavani Devi's struggles to reach the 2020 Summer Olympics is one of those inspiring stories of determination, never giving up, and fighting against all odds.  

5) Ahmed Hafnaoui- The Tunisian fish

Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia created history by claiming the Nation's only 5th Gold medal. The 18-year old was no contender for the podium and he just narrowly edged past in the qualifications. 

However, Hafnaoui was seen in great form, and as smooth as ever he raced past his opponents at the finals of the 400 m event. 

The underdog in the process overhauled the hot favorites Jack McLoughlin of Australia and Kieran Smith of the USA. This was one of the most inspiring stories of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as the 18-year old proved to the world what dedication could bring about on the biggest stage. 

The likes of faster swimmers was not only the challenge that the teenager had to overcome but he was also allotted a tricky end lane. However, the spirited youngster overcame all the obstacles to imprint his name in the history books as the youngest Tunisian to win a gold medal. 

Related articles: Greatest Olympic Moments of all time | Interesting Olympic Facts

Which of the above moments did you find the most inspiring? Stay tuned with Sportco as we will bring you the second part of the most inspiring stories of the Olympics 2020.