A planetary meeting postponed for a year, then at risk of being canceled until the last moment. Bleachers emptied of their supporters. And a time difference much less practical than in Rio, where you just had to stay up a little late to jump on your sofa. The Tokyo Olympics, now halfway through, will remain very special Olympics, the Covid-19 pandemic requires.
But despite the obstacles, the spectacle is there. Are the French too? Do they get up in the middle of the night to follow the French athletes? Do they watch everything that is happening, or certain disciplines in particular? We asked our readers the question.
“It frees my mind”
Even more than in winter, the magic of the Summer Olympics is obviously the sporting diversity: there are nearly 50 disciplines represented in Tokyo. A program which changes from the ordinary and which delights Greg: “We see other sports than tennis, football or cycling, and that’s great”. On Fred’s menu, during the first week, there was “skateboarding, kayaking, archery, of course judo, gym…” It’s simple, he said, “that frees my mind ”. Sylvie also appreciates a benefit: “I love all sports, so here I am served”. And to add: “Being a person with reduced mobility, that occupies my days”.
For others, we are in a well-established organization: “I put on the TV and I listen while doing my household chores,” says Fabienne. And if something happens with our French, I ask myself ”.
“This is the only time when you follow archery as much as the 100m freestyle”
Among those connected to Tokyo 2021 for ten days, there are aficionados. “I wait for these games from Rio, I watch everything and I follow the results on the Web”, explains Alexandra. Who is not satisfied despite the long direct from France tv: “I am frustrated by the programming, which only shows the Franco-French competitions”. ” Every four years [cinq en l’occurrence], it’s not every day, abounds Marguerite. We see our country and other delegations and it’s nice. And then the Olympics, these are the only times when I get up at night to follow a sport, an athlete who will transcend me ”. The emotion is also what Marion remembers: “it is the only moment in your life when you follow archery with as much fervor as the 100m freestyle”.
From pools to tatami mats, there is inevitably a soft spot for the Blues. “The French are not always shown, too bad”, regrets Léana. Doumé, for his part, “feasts” with “French people at the rendezvous”. And if Marion retains the “moment of glory” of the swordsman Romain Cannone, she wonders: “Seeing the favorites lose asks questions about the desire and culture of winning in France. I hope that we will return to the top for Paris 2024 ”.
The overflow of pubs?
What about jet lag in all of this? “Unfortunately, reconciling work and the schedules of the events is complicated,” continues Marion. So I feel like I’m missing all the flagship events, which makes these Games quite frustrating. Honestly, it’s annoying to wake up in the morning with losses after losses of the favorites ”.
But it’s not just a lack of sleep that can confuse fans. “It’s always interrupted by ads,” notes David. And always at the best time. What a pity… “. Pascal also moans: “Sport is my passion. (But) by dint of having ads at any time, I no longer look, and by talking around me, I realize that I am not the only one to have acted like this ”.
“I don’t care like my first panties”
As universal as they are, of course, the Games cannot appeal to everyone. Because Gritche, playing, he does it live: “I don’t watch any sports transmission, it bothers me. I prefer to practice it ”. “This is the first year that I don’t watch the Olympics, No interest! “, Says Jean-Paul, without saying more.
For others, pandemic or not, jet lag or not, French disappointments or not, it’s a waste of time. “Do you think (the Games are) a priority (in this) collapsing world? Daniel says. Before Didier talks to us about his underwear: “I’m not athletic, and therefore I don’t care about my first panties of the Games”. It is said.