Ponytails and smiles: Pervasive language keeps sexism in Olympic sport at play
By Kara Fox, CNN
Updated 0701 GMT (1501 HKT) August 7, 2021
(CNN)When Rebecca Smith sat down to watch New Zealand play the United States Women's National Team in a Tokyo 2020 football match last week, she was floored -- and not just because of the athletes' incredible prowess.
Watching the game from London, a British commentator kept calling an American forward by the wrong name. The commentary of Great Britain's game against the Netherlands has also provoked dismay after the a commentator got two players' names wrong and seemed to be under the mistaken assumption that Phil Neville is still the GB coach -- he left in January.
For Smith -- a two-time Olympian footballer who also captained the New Zealand team -- listening to the commentary of the Football Ferns playing the USWNT was like entering a time warp: It had happened to her and her teammates throughout her whole career.
"There wasn't really any time where I really felt like this full panel of media is really interested in the game, follows the game (or) knows really in-depth about the game," Smith told CNN Sport.
To see that some commentators still hadn't done the "absolute minimum" of learning an Olympic athlete's name "basically reinforces that stereotype that no one is watching, (that) no one cares about women's football, or female athletes," Smith said.
!['I felt my life is over': Negesa shares her harrowing story](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210719193352-103347-runningasequals-annetnegesa-large-169.jpg)
MUST WATCH
'I felt my life is over': Negesa shares her harrowing story 10:12
Read More
Roll their eyes
Academics studying the intersection of gender and sport highlight the fact that commentators continue to use the word "girls" to describe elite female athletes, regardless of their age, while they would rarely refer to male athletes as "boys."
Janet Fink, an expert in the marketing of female athletes and women's sport and the Associate Dean of University of Massachusetts Amherst told CNN that it was hard to understand how in 2021 "you could call someone who's a world-renowned athlete a girl."
"I mean, if you just flipped it, and you thought about a commentator talking about (a male athlete as a) boy...it's comical."
Fink added that she believes that sort of language has an impact on how people perceive female athletes, but that it is unclear how that language impacts how female athletes view themselves.
She said: "I think they probably roll their eyes a lot of times at some of those commentators."
Still, visibility and interest for women's sport continues to grow, with former and current athletes often playing a significant role lifting those profiles, according to Smith.
A 2018 Nielsen Sports study found that the volume of media coverage of women's sports across Europe ranged from as low as 2% to just 12% at peak times, whereas the Olympics represent a more balanced playing field in terms of competition. Plus, the Olympics tends to fare better in terms of balanced coverage for women's sport than in the normal sports landscape.
A record number of female athletes participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics might signal yet another indicator of a that progression. But gender inequality still very much exists at the Games, with the infantilization and sexualization of female athletes a pervasive force.
Smith points to another Olympic football match last week, where a Team GB athlete's "swishing blonde" ponytail was the subject of commentary, or how one male commentator pontificated about the "beautiful" smile of a a rugby sevens player.
Ahead of 2020 Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released new guidelines for the media to counter such coverage, encouraging broadcasters to put gender equality at the forefront of coverage, to avoid sexualizing women and to treat all athletes with integrity, instead of focusing "unnecessarily on looks, clothing or intimate body parts."
But even the IOC's new gender equality advisor, the former Olympic swimmer Naoko Imoto, has said host country Japan was failing in that regard.
Last week she blasted her home country's coverage, saying that Japanese broadcasters continue to use the word "girls," "wives" or "mothers" when describing the athletes, instead of focusing on them as "pure athletes."
'Fastest vs. pregnant'
It is language that researchers at Cambridge University have identified as consistent with general sports reporting.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that men are mentioned almost three times more often than women in general sport reporting, with language around female athletes focusing disproportionately on aesthetics and personal lives.
The study -- which drew from a multi-billion word database of written and spoken English from a wide range of media sources -- found that men are seen to have a competitive edge in sport, with male athletes associated with the words "fastest," "strong," "beat," "win," and "dominate."
Meanwhile, female athletes were associated with the words "aged," "pregnant," "married," "compete," "participate" and "strive."
The researchers drew from the same data to analyze how those word associations would play out at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
While they found that some language had improved, with the use of the gender-neutral term "sportsperson" used with higher frequency in comparison to the language of sports in general, men's sports still received 20% more airtime at the Olympics.
![The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805233943-02-olympics-080621-beach-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
![Fireworks explode over Tokyo's National Stadium at the end of the Olympics' closing ceremony on Sunday, August 8. The word "arigato," seen at left, means thank you in Japanese.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808093527-27-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fireworks explode over Tokyo's National Stadium at the end of the Olympics' closing ceremony on Sunday, August 8. The word "arigato," seen at left, means thank you in Japanese.
Hide Caption
1 of 312
![The Olympic cauldron closes, extinguishing the Olympic flame at the end of the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065755-28-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Olympic cauldron closes, extinguishing the Olympic flame at the end of the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
2 of 312
![Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808080436-16-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
3 of 312
![The national flags of Japan, Greece and France fly during the closing ceremony. Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. France will host the 2024 Summer Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808090621-23-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The national flags of Japan, Greece and France fly during the closing ceremony. Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. France will host the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Hide Caption
4 of 312
![The Olympic flag is folded after being lowered during the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808084420-21-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Olympic flag is folded after being lowered during the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
5 of 312
![Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, who won the gold medal in the marathon, listens as his country's National Anthem is played during his medal ceremony. The medal ceremonies for both the men's and women's marathon took place during the closing ceremony. And that meant two playings of the Kenyan National Anthem, as Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won gold in the women's event.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808082654-19-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, who won the gold medal in the marathon, listens as his country's National Anthem is played during his medal ceremony. The medal ceremonies for both the men's and women's marathon took place during the closing ceremony. And that meant two playings of the Kenyan National Anthem, as Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir won gold in the women's event.
Hide Caption
6 of 312
![Jets conduct a flyover next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. While the closing ceremony was held in Tokyo, a celebration was held in Paris. The French capital will be hosting the next Summer Games in 2024.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808091504-24-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jets conduct a flyover next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. While the closing ceremony was held in Tokyo, a celebration was held in Paris. The French capital will be hosting the next Summer Games in 2024.
Hide Caption
7 of 312
![Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, makes a heart gesture as he delivers a speech at the closing ceremony. In his speech, Bach thanked the athletes and the Japanese people for their hard work and sacrifices in staging the most logistically challenging Olympic Games in history. "We did it together," he said.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808092113-25-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, makes a heart gesture as he delivers a speech at the closing ceremony. In his speech, Bach thanked the athletes and the Japanese people for their hard work and sacrifices in staging the most logistically challenging Olympic Games in history. "We did it together," he said.
Hide Caption
8 of 312
![Athletes watch performers take part in the closing ceremony. Because of Covid-19 protocols, all athletes were required to leave Japan within 48 hours of their competition, so there were fewer athletes at the closing ceremony than there were at the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808084922-22-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes watch performers take part in the closing ceremony. Because of Covid-19 protocols, all athletes were required to leave Japan within 48 hours of their competition, so there were fewer athletes at the closing ceremony than there were at the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
9 of 312
![Polish athletes take pictures as they attend the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808073440-10-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Polish athletes take pictures as they attend the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
10 of 312
![The flags of each participating nation are brought into the stadium for the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808072147-07-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The flags of each participating nation are brought into the stadium for the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
11 of 312
![Dignitaries applaud at the beginning of the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065752-09-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dignitaries applaud at the beginning of the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
12 of 312
![American athletes show their medals to a video camera at the closing ceremony. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/08/sport/olympics-usa-most-medals/index.html" target="_blank">The United States finished on top of the medal table</a> for the third straight Summer Olympics, winning 39 gold medals and 113 medals in all. Second-place China finished with 38 golds and 88 medals in all. Host nation Japan had a third-best 27 golds and won a total of 58 medals.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808075242-14-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American athletes show their medals to a video camera at the closing ceremony. The United States finished on top of the medal table for the third straight Summer Olympics, winning 39 gold medals and 113 medals in all. Second-place China finished with 38 golds and 88 medals in all. Host nation Japan had a third-best 27 golds and won a total of 58 medals.
Hide Caption
13 of 312
![The Japanese flag is brought into the stadium at the start of the closing ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065745-04-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Japanese flag is brought into the stadium at the start of the closing ceremony.
Hide Caption
14 of 312
![Fireworks explode over the National Stadium.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808083622-20-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fireworks explode over the National Stadium.
Hide Caption
15 of 312
![The United States' Brittney Griner, right, defends Japan's Maki Takada during the gold-medal basketball game on August 8. Griner scored 30 points as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-08-21-spt/h_503bb19990d71b68b2d84343466c24c1" target="_blank">the Americans won 90-75.</a> It is the seventh consecutive gold medal for the US women's basketball team.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807232527-03-olympics-080821-womens-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Brittney Griner, right, defends Japan's Maki Takada during the gold-medal basketball game on August 8. Griner scored 30 points as the Americans won 90-75. It is the seventh consecutive gold medal for the US women's basketball team.
Hide Caption
16 of 312
![Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line August 8 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_af4bb17527e168632036b0fa6e6d54a5" target="_blank">to win the marathon</a> for the second Olympics in a row. Kipchoge, the world-record holder in the event, finished with a time of 2:08:38.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807222209-02-olympics-080821-kipchoge-marathon-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line August 8 to win the marathon for the second Olympics in a row. Kipchoge, the world-record holder in the event, finished with a time of 2:08:38.
Hide Caption
17 of 312
![US basketball player Sue Bird is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-08-21-spt/h_bc7226718980e05be0decb858cc5a090" target="_blank">congratulated by her partner, Megan Rapinoe,</a> after the gold-medal game. Bird and teammate Diana Taurasi had just won their fifth career Olympic golds.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808043426-07-olympics-080821-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US basketball player Sue Bird is congratulated by her partner, Megan Rapinoe, after the gold-medal game. Bird and teammate Diana Taurasi had just won their fifth career Olympic golds.
Hide Caption
18 of 312
![Serbia's Nikola Dedović, Vladimir Vujasinović and Milan Aleksić jump into the pool as they celebrate winning <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-08-21-spt/h_a15625c29c75324d0b2fcf55f37f79ac" target="_blank">the water polo final against Greece </a>on August 8. Serbia won the match 13-10.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808044957-08-olympics-080821-serbia-water-polo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Serbia's Nikola Dedović, Vladimir Vujasinović and Milan Aleksić jump into the pool as they celebrate winning the water polo final against Greece on August 8. Serbia won the match 13-10.
Hide Caption
19 of 312
![Jennifer Valente holds the American flag after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-08-21-spt/h_f7a98da2ab04c518550c14c7c1c9ac5e" target="_blank">winning gold at the Omnium track cycling event</a> on August 8. It is the United States' first gold medal in track cycling since 2000.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808031153-06-olympics-080821-omnium-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jennifer Valente holds the American flag after winning gold at the Omnium track cycling event on August 8. It is the United States' first gold medal in track cycling since 2000.
Hide Caption
20 of 312
![The United States' Jordyn Poulter, right, sets the ball during <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-08-21-spt/h_1307b067886f6129d5a535fad820afdc" target="_blank">the gold-medal volleyball match</a> against Brazil on August 8. The Americans defeated Brazil 3-0. It is the United States' first-ever gold medal in women's volleyball.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808014420-04-olympics-080821-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Jordyn Poulter, right, sets the ball during the gold-medal volleyball match against Brazil on August 8. The Americans defeated Brazil 3-0. It is the United States' first-ever gold medal in women's volleyball.
Hide Caption
21 of 312
![Linoy Ashram, a rhythmic gymnast from Israel, won gold in the individual all-around on Saturday, August 7.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807233321-olympics-080721-rhythmic-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Linoy Ashram, a rhythmic gymnast from Israel, won gold in the individual all-around on Saturday, August 7.
Hide Caption
22 of 312
![Japan's baseball team celebrates with manager Atsunori Inaba after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_20d805ee1b60a343b67edab57c1bb89c" target="_blank">winning the gold-medal game</a> against the United States on August 7.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100037-12-olympics-080721-baseball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's baseball team celebrates with manager Atsunori Inaba after winning the gold-medal game against the United States on August 7.
Hide Caption
23 of 312
![The United States' Allyson Felix runs in the 4x400-meter relay on August 7. The US team won gold, making Felix <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_6df17226e0ece94448232298e60511db" target="_blank">the most decorated American athlete in Olympic track-and-field history.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807084935-10-olympics-080721-allyson-felix-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Allyson Felix runs in the 4x400-meter relay on August 7. The US team won gold, making Felix the most decorated American athlete in Olympic track-and-field history.
Hide Caption
24 of 312
![Brazil's Hebert Sousa, center, celebrates after he knocked out Ukraine's Oleksandr Khyzhniak to win the middleweight final on August 7. Khyzhniak was leading the first two rounds when Sousa caught him in the chin with a left hook.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100042-13-olympics-080721-boxing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazil's Hebert Sousa, center, celebrates after he knocked out Ukraine's Oleksandr Khyzhniak to win the middleweight final on August 7. Khyzhniak was leading the first two rounds when Sousa caught him in the chin with a left hook.
Hide Caption
25 of 312
![The Netherlands' Sifan Hassan places a bag of ice on her face after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_c82d5d9a6c216a4f0d275f26f95aaa58" target="_blank">winning gold in the 10,000 meters</a> on August 7. Hassan also won the 5,000 meters in Tokyo and finished third in the 1,500. She's the first person in Olympic history to complete a medley of medals across both the middle- and long-distance events in a single Games.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100046-14-olympics-080721-sifan-hassan-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Netherlands' Sifan Hassan places a bag of ice on her face after winning gold in the 10,000 meters on August 7. Hassan also won the 5,000 meters in Tokyo and finished third in the 1,500. She's the first person in Olympic history to complete a medley of medals across both the middle- and long-distance events in a single Games.
Hide Caption
26 of 312
![The United States' Nelly Korda, right, is congratulated by her sister, Jessica, after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_1ef78f509d1f661ba17cbf7cac6844a3" target="_blank">winning the gold medal by one stroke</a> on August 7. Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked female golfer, took the tournament lead after a second-round 62. Jessica Korda finished tied for 15th.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807012148-06-olympics-080721-golf-korda-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Nelly Korda, right, is congratulated by her sister, Jessica, after winning the gold medal by one stroke on August 7. Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked female golfer, took the tournament lead after a second-round 62. Jessica Korda finished tied for 15th.
Hide Caption
27 of 312
![Kazakhstan's Sergey Ponomaryov, left, crashes with Malaysia's Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom during a keirin race on August 7.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100048-15-olympics-080721-track-cycling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kazakhstan's Sergey Ponomaryov, left, crashes with Malaysia's Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom during a keirin race on August 7.
Hide Caption
28 of 312
![A Russian artistic swimmer competes in the team event on August 7. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_2383664d8b845653690edb64f8fe7554" target="_blank">Russian swimmers won gold</a> in both the team and duet events in Tokyo.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100033-11-olympics-080721-artistic-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A Russian artistic swimmer competes in the team event on August 7. Russian swimmers won gold in both the team and duet events in Tokyo.
Hide Caption
29 of 312
![Jessica Springsteen, the daughter of rock star Bruce Springsteen, was part of the US equestrian team <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/07/sport/jessica-springsteen-silver-tokyo-intl-spt/index.html" target="_blank">that won silver in jumping</a> on August 7.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807110712-18-olympics-080721-springsteen-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jessica Springsteen, the daughter of rock star Bruce Springsteen, was part of the US equestrian team that won silver in jumping on August 7.
Hide Caption
30 of 312
![Brazilian defender Dani Alves, left, and Spanish midfielder Carlos Soler react after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_bbe049a5800eb5f90d4e598956a6dd58" target="_blank">Brazil defeated Spain</a> 2-1 in the gold-medal football match on August 7. Brazil is the fifth men's team in history to win back-to-back titles at the Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807113732-19-olympics-080721-brazil-football-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian defender Dani Alves, left, and Spanish midfielder Carlos Soler react after Brazil defeated Spain 2-1 in the gold-medal football match on August 7. Brazil is the fifth men's team in history to win back-to-back titles at the Olympics.
Hide Caption
31 of 312
![Ashleigh Johnson celebrates after the United States defeated Spain in the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_b1f5bd339ce782ce5cdecc2684560047" target="_blank">water polo final</a> on August 7. It's the third straight gold for the Americans, who won 14-5. That's the largest margin of victory in the history of water polo's gold-medal matches.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100141-16-olympics-080721-water-polo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Ashleigh Johnson celebrates after the United States defeated Spain in the water polo final on August 7. It's the third straight gold for the Americans, who won 14-5. That's the largest margin of victory in the history of water polo's gold-medal matches.
Hide Caption
32 of 312
![India's Neeraj Chopra won the javelin on August 7, becoming <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/07/sport/neeraj-chopra-india-olympics-javelin-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807110243-17-olympics-080721-neeraj-chopra-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
India's Neeraj Chopra won the javelin on August 7, becoming the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field.
Hide Caption
33 of 312
![US basketball players celebrate after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-07-21-spt/h_fbb5e6e6f9790e71f12c0994183a4819" target="_blank">defeating France 87-82 in the gold-medal game</a> on August 7. It's the Americans' fourth straight gold in men's basketball.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807005039-04-olympics-080721-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US basketball players celebrate after defeating France 87-82 in the gold-medal game on August 7. It's the Americans' fourth straight gold in men's basketball.
Hide Caption
34 of 312
![Chinese diver Cao Yuan competes in the 10-meter platform event on August 7. He won the gold and became the first athlete to win Olympic gold medals in three different diving events. He won gold in the 3-meter springboard in 2016, and he won gold in the 10-meter synchronized event in 2012.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807010338-05-olympics-080721-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese diver Cao Yuan competes in the 10-meter platform event on August 7. He won the gold and became the first athlete to win Olympic gold medals in three different diving events. He won gold in the 3-meter springboard in 2016, and he won gold in the 10-meter synchronized event in 2012.
Hide Caption
35 of 312
![Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir crosses the finish line to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_858792735c3c8bfeccdc9dbf238e95bc" target="_blank">win the marathon</a> on August 7. Her countrywoman Brigid Kosgei earned the silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806215751-01-olympics-080721-womens-marathon-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir crosses the finish line to win the marathon on August 7. Her countrywoman Brigid Kosgei earned the silver medal.
Hide Caption
36 of 312
![Italy's Filippo Tortu, bottom, finishes ahead of Great Britain's Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_8b0ed1bae950c6809673c316f9d711ac" target="_blank">by just .01 seconds</a> to win gold in the 4x100-meter relay on Friday, August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806103644-16-olympics-080621-relay-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Italy's Filippo Tortu, bottom, finishes ahead of Great Britain's Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake by just .01 seconds to win gold in the 4x100-meter relay on Friday, August 6.
Hide Caption
37 of 312
![Germany's Annika Schleu was leading the modern pentathlon after two events. But in the show jumping event on August 6, her horse, Saint Boy, refused to cooperate with her wishes. The horse just wouldn't jump, and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_e2ea37082eedb53e79deba154d931c9b" target="_blank">Schleu broke into tears</a> as her medal hopes faded away. In the modern pentathlon, horses are assigned to athletes via a draw.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203503-24-olympics-080621-pentathlon-schleu-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Germany's Annika Schleu was leading the modern pentathlon after two events. But in the show jumping event on August 6, her horse, Saint Boy, refused to cooperate with her wishes. The horse just wouldn't jump, and Schleu broke into tears as her medal hopes faded away. In the modern pentathlon, horses are assigned to athletes via a draw.
Hide Caption
38 of 312
![Teammates mob Canada's Julia Grosso after she scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Sweden on August 6. The gold-medal match was tied 1-1 after extra time, so a shootout had to decide the winner. It is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_0a52c11c018e696baded3777427d393a" target="_blank">Canada's first gold medal in women's football.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806122018-18-olympics-080621-football-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Teammates mob Canada's Julia Grosso after she scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Sweden on August 6. The gold-medal match was tied 1-1 after extra time, so a shootout had to decide the winner. It is Canada's first gold medal in women's football.
Hide Caption
39 of 312
![Cuban boxer Julio César La Cruz poses with his gold medal after winning the heavyweight final on August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806084231-07-olympics-080621-boxing-medal-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Cuban boxer Julio César La Cruz poses with his gold medal after winning the heavyweight final on August 6.
Hide Caption
40 of 312
![China's Liu Shiying competes in the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_5fff32ba0db7c8df821a21f71967b380" target="_blank">javelin final</a> on August 6. Her first throw of 66.34 meters was enough to secure the gold medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806225124-28-olympics-080621-javelin-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
China's Liu Shiying competes in the javelin final on August 6. Her first throw of 66.34 meters was enough to secure the gold medal.
Hide Caption
41 of 312
![American wrestler Gable Steveson celebrates after a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_fa83b7c83d36fcfb8a0035d8791cc125" target="_blank">dramatic last-second comeback</a> earned him a gold medal on August 6. Steveson was named after legendary wrestler Dan Gable, who won gold at the Olympics in 1972.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203448-21-olympics-080621-wrestling-steveson-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American wrestler Gable Steveson celebrates after a dramatic last-second comeback earned him a gold medal on August 6. Steveson was named after legendary wrestler Dan Gable, who won gold at the Olympics in 1972.
Hide Caption
42 of 312
![Canadian footballer Quinn waves during a medal ceremony in Yokohama, Japan. Quinn, who goes by just the one name, is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/05/sport/quinn-canada-sweden-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">the first trans and the first nonbinary athlete to win a Olympic medal.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203425-20-olympics-080621-quinn-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Canadian footballer Quinn waves during a medal ceremony in Yokohama, Japan. Quinn, who goes by just the one name, is the first trans and the first nonbinary athlete to win a Olympic medal.
Hide Caption
43 of 312
![Alina Harnasko, a rhythmic gymnast from Belarus, competes in the individual all-around on August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806215749-25-olympics-080621-rhythmic-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Alina Harnasko, a rhythmic gymnast from Belarus, competes in the individual all-around on August 6.
Hide Caption
44 of 312
![The United States' Paul Chelimo dives over the finish line to win a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters on August 6. He finished just ahead of Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806225117-27-olympics-080621-5000m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Paul Chelimo dives over the finish line to win a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters on August 6. He finished just ahead of Kenya's Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli.
Hide Caption
45 of 312
![The Netherlands' field hockey team celebrates their 3-1 win over Argentina in the gold-medal match on August 6. The Netherlands became the first country <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_ee43255a21088856e898b0025af865cc" target="_blank">to win four Olympic titles</a> in women's field hockey.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806222038-26-olympics-080621-womens-field-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Netherlands' field hockey team celebrates their 3-1 win over Argentina in the gold-medal match on August 6. The Netherlands became the first country to win four Olympic titles in women's field hockey.
Hide Caption
46 of 312
![The United States' Allyson Felix celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_c43d6f52d2aea0dc6f56d09020439a73" target="_blank">winning the bronze medal</a> in the 400 meters on August 6. She passed Jamaica's Merlene Ottey to become the most decorated woman in Olympic track-and-field history.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806090639-15-olympics-080621-felix-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Allyson Felix celebrates after winning the bronze medal in the 400 meters on August 6. She passed Jamaica's Merlene Ottey to become the most decorated woman in Olympic track-and-field history.
Hide Caption
47 of 312
![Team Italy competes in artistic swimming on August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806084243-11-olympics-080621-team-artistic-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Team Italy competes in artistic swimming on August 6.
Hide Caption
48 of 312
![Slovenia's Janja Garnbret reacts after becoming <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/06/sport/janja-garnbret-sports-climbing-tokyo-olympics-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in sport climbing </a>on August 6. At left are bronze medalist Akiyo Noguchi and silver medalist Miho Nonaka, both of Japan.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203501-23-olympics-080621-climbing-garnbret-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Slovenia's Janja Garnbret reacts after becoming the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in sport climbing on August 6. At left are bronze medalist Akiyo Noguchi and silver medalist Miho Nonaka, both of Japan.
Hide Caption
49 of 312
![Japan's Ryo Kiyuna holds a photo of his late mother after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-06-21-spt/h_847fb05b498eda3551989c461857a2e8" target="_blank">winning gold in karate's kata event</a> on August 6. Kiyuna is from the island of Okinawa, which is considered the birthplace of karate.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203452-22-olympics-080621-karate-ryo-kiyuna-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Ryo Kiyuna holds a photo of his late mother after winning gold in karate's kata event on August 6. Kiyuna is from the island of Okinawa, which is considered the birthplace of karate.
Hide Caption
50 of 312
![The United States' Breanna Stewart plays against Serbia in a basketball semifinal on August 6. The Americans won 79-59.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806014027-05-olympics-080621-womens-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Breanna Stewart plays against Serbia in a basketball semifinal on August 6. The Americans won 79-59.
Hide Caption
51 of 312
![From left, American beach volleyball players April Ross and Alix Klineman celebrate after they won their <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_faefc6150a210d35f46498be8df1f679" target="_blank">gold-medal match</a> on August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805233943-02-olympics-080621-beach-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, American beach volleyball players April Ross and Alix Klineman celebrate after they won their gold-medal match on August 6.
Hide Caption
52 of 312
![Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto, left, celebrates after defeating South Korea's Jang Woo-jin to win a bronze medal in table tennis on August 6.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806005303-04-olympics-080621-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto, left, celebrates after defeating South Korea's Jang Woo-jin to win a bronze medal in table tennis on August 6.
Hide Caption
53 of 312
![Chinese diver Quan Hongchan competes in the 10-meter platform final on Thursday, August 5. The 14-year-old is the second-youngest female ever <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_c25efb2c4e36e8ba76624d8c60fa3ab0" target="_blank">to win gold </a>in the event. Two of her dives were perfect 10s.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805122016-20-olympics-08052021-diving-quan-hongchan-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese diver Quan Hongchan competes in the 10-meter platform final on Thursday, August 5. The 14-year-old is the second-youngest female ever to win gold in the event. Two of her dives were perfect 10s.
Hide Caption
54 of 312
![The United States' Megan Rapinoe celebrates with her teammates after scoring the opening goal of the bronze-medal match against Australia on August 5. It was an Olimpico goal, which is a goal straight from a corner kick, and she later added another score as <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_3d38ca534ac779dbd51a3419ada50589" target="_blank">the United States won 4-3.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805221923-38-olympics-080521-rapinoe-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Megan Rapinoe celebrates with her teammates after scoring the opening goal of the bronze-medal match against Australia on August 5. It was an Olimpico goal, which is a goal straight from a corner kick, and she later added another score as the United States won 4-3.
Hide Caption
55 of 312
![Belgium's Nafissatou Thiam throws a javelin on her way to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_982943442a366f096662fafb4971fa2e" target="_blank">winning gold in the heptathlon</a> on August 5. She's just the second woman ever to win back-to-back heptathlon titles.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805224310-40-olympics-080521-heptathlon-javelin-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Belgium's Nafissatou Thiam throws a javelin on her way to winning gold in the heptathlon on August 5. She's just the second woman ever to win back-to-back heptathlon titles.
Hide Caption
56 of 312
![The Czech Republic's Adam Ondra, left, celebrates after he defeated France's Mickael Mawem in the sport climbing speed finals on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805222821-39-olympics-080521-climbing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Czech Republic's Adam Ondra, left, celebrates after he defeated France's Mickael Mawem in the sport climbing speed finals on August 5.
Hide Caption
57 of 312
![Australia's Keegan Palmer warms up prior to the park skateboarding competition on August 5. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_3b0447ab85bc74a7de159247fed341ad" target="_blank">Palmer went on to win gold in the event.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804234548-06-olympics-080521-skateboarding-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australia's Keegan Palmer warms up prior to the park skateboarding competition on August 5. Palmer went on to win gold in the event.
Hide Caption
58 of 312
![Spain's Sandra Sánchez <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_99e39c091abd8b5e3f489dffdd59da42" target="_blank">won gold in karate's kata event</a> on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121820-34-olympics-080521-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spain's Sandra Sánchez won gold in karate's kata event on August 5.
Hide Caption
59 of 312
![Belgium's field hockey team celebrates after winning <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_005a55de11092c221b556085f2dcaecb" target="_blank">a dramatic penalty shootout</a> in the gold-medal match against Australia on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805225442-41-olympics-080521-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Belgium's field hockey team celebrates after winning a dramatic penalty shootout in the gold-medal match against Australia on August 5.
Hide Caption
60 of 312
![The United States' Joe Ryan pitches to South Korea's Park Hae-min during a semifinal baseball game on August 5. The Americans won 7-2 to clinch a spot in the final against Japan.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805075901-22-olympics-080521-baseball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Joe Ryan pitches to South Korea's Park Hae-min during a semifinal baseball game on August 5. The Americans won 7-2 to clinch a spot in the final against Japan.
Hide Caption
61 of 312
![The Bahamas' Steven Gardiner reacts after<a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_fbfe1128351faa8afe40eb53969f98df" target="_blank"> winning gold in the men's 400 meters</a> on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805220254-37-olympics-080521-400m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Bahamas' Steven Gardiner reacts after winning gold in the men's 400 meters on August 5.
Hide Caption
62 of 312
![The United States' Zach LaVine scores against Australia during a basketball semifinal on August 5. The Americans won 97-78 and will play France in the gold-medal game.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805214122-35-olympics-080521-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Zach LaVine scores against Australia during a basketball semifinal on August 5. The Americans won 97-78 and will play France in the gold-medal game.
Hide Caption
63 of 312
![The United States' Ryan Crouser shows a message for his grandfather after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_fc93790d8fbfbb7e24eb0e1c79d16530" target="_blank">winning gold in the shot put</a> on August 5. Crouser, who also won gold at the 2016 Games, set a new Olympic record with a throw of 23.30 meters. It's the second-longest throw in history.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804232922-05-olympics-080521-shot-put-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Ryan Crouser shows a message for his grandfather after winning gold in the shot put on August 5. Crouser, who also won gold at the 2016 Games, set a new Olympic record with a throw of 23.30 meters. It's the second-longest throw in history.
Hide Caption
64 of 312
![Decathletes rest on the track following the 1,500 meters on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121814-30-olympics-080521-decathalon-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Decathletes rest on the track following the 1,500 meters on August 5.
Hide Caption
65 of 312
![Great Britain's Lois Toulson dives off the 10-meter platform on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805024853-14-olympics-080521-womens-10m-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Great Britain's Lois Toulson dives off the 10-meter platform on August 5.
Hide Caption
66 of 312
![Jamaica's Hansle Parchment, third from left, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_fc93790d8fbfbb7e24eb0e1c79d16530" target="_blank">wins the 110-meter hurdles</a> on August 5. He finished with a time of 13.04 seconds, just beating out the United States' Grant Holloway, who ran a 13.09.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804231636-04-olympics-080521-110m-hurdles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jamaica's Hansle Parchment, third from left, wins the 110-meter hurdles on August 5. He finished with a time of 13.04 seconds, just beating out the United States' Grant Holloway, who ran a 13.09.
Hide Caption
67 of 312
![Cuba's Cristian Nápoles competes in the triple jump final on August 5.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121815-31-olympics-080521-triple-jump-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Cuba's Cristian Nápoles competes in the triple jump final on August 5.
Hide Caption
68 of 312
![Turkey's Eray Samdan, left, takes on Azerbaijan's Firdovsi Farzaliyev as karate made its Olympic debut on August 5. Samdan won 7-1 and went on to earn a silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805001622-07-olympics-080521-karate-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Turkey's Eray Samdan, left, takes on Azerbaijan's Firdovsi Farzaliyev as karate made its Olympic debut on August 5. Samdan won 7-1 and went on to earn a silver medal.
Hide Caption
69 of 312
![The United States' Katie Nageotte celebrates after clearing the bar in the pole vault final on August 5. Nageotte cleared a height of 4.90 meters <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-05-21-spt/h_202cff9a9f8ad6a09d05f0698f05d506" target="_blank">to win the gold.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805230454-42-olympics-080521-katie-nageotte-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Katie Nageotte celebrates after clearing the bar in the pole vault final on August 5. Nageotte cleared a height of 4.90 meters to win the gold.
Hide Caption
70 of 312
![Great Britain's Jason Kenny competes in track cycling on Wednesday, August 4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804095905-12-olympics-080421-cycling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Great Britain's Jason Kenny competes in track cycling on Wednesday, August 4.
Hide Caption
71 of 312
![Ukraine's Marta Fiedina competes in artistic swimming's duet final on August 4. She and Anastasiya Savchuk won the bronze. The gold was won by Russians Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Svetlana Romashina.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205908-17-olympics-080421-artistic-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Ukraine's Marta Fiedina competes in artistic swimming's duet final on August 4. She and Anastasiya Savchuk won the bronze. The gold was won by Russians Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Svetlana Romashina.
Hide Caption
72 of 312
![A statue of a sumo wrestler is seen near an obstacle as Japan's Koki Saito, aboard Chilensky, competes in jumping qualifiers on August 4. Riders said the lifelike statue <a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-equestrian-sumo-sculpture-8c9a3588952acf9502221636a5bf29d5" target="_blank">might have distracted some horses</a> during the competition.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205910-16-olympics-080421-equestrian-jumpin-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A statue of a sumo wrestler is seen near an obstacle as Japan's Koki Saito, aboard Chilensky, competes in jumping qualifiers on August 4. Riders said the lifelike statue might have distracted some horses during the competition.
Hide Caption
73 of 312
![Sky Brown competes in <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_c2549005be5dc618c931752e6b2193f8" target="_blank">the park skateboarding final </a>on August 4. Brown, who at 13 is Great Britain's youngest-ever athlete to compete in the Summer Olympics, won a bronze medal. Japan's Sakura Yosozumi won the gold, and her compatriot Kokona Hiraki won the silver. Hiraki is just 12 years old.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804005532-04-olympics-080421-skateboarding-sky-brown-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Sky Brown competes in the park skateboarding final on August 4. Brown, who at 13 is Great Britain's youngest-ever athlete to compete in the Summer Olympics, won a bronze medal. Japan's Sakura Yosozumi won the gold, and her compatriot Kokona Hiraki won the silver. Hiraki is just 12 years old.
Hide Caption
74 of 312
![Spanish decathlete Jorge Ureña competes in the high jump on August 4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205914-15-olympics-080421-decathlon-high-jump-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spanish decathlete Jorge Ureña competes in the high jump on August 4.
Hide Caption
75 of 312
![Sydney McLaughlin finishes just ahead of fellow American Dalilah Muhammad, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-03-21-spt/h_001278266bf285c1d7be43464aa383c5" target="_blank">breaking her own world record to win the 400-meter hurdles</a> on August 4. McLaughlin's time was 51.46 seconds, and Muhammad's was 51.58. Muhammad's time is the second-fastest in history.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803225422-02-olympics-080421-400m-hurdles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Sydney McLaughlin finishes just ahead of fellow American Dalilah Muhammad, breaking her own world record to win the 400-meter hurdles on August 4. McLaughlin's time was 51.46 seconds, and Muhammad's was 51.58. Muhammad's time is the second-fastest in history.
Hide Caption
76 of 312
![From left, Italy's Simone Consonni and Filippo Ganna celebrate after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_78cf746b97bccd1690781b8701b0f329" target="_blank">setting a new world record</a> and winning a gold medal in the team pursuit event on August 4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804072005-08-olympics-080421-ganna-cycling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Italy's Simone Consonni and Filippo Ganna celebrate after setting a new world record and winning a gold medal in the team pursuit event on August 4.
Hide Caption
77 of 312
![Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse lies on the track after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_329822ffaa1cc67218da92bea7a9c900" target="_blank">winning the 200-meter final</a> on August 4. It's the first Olympic gold for De Grasse, who won bronze in the 100 this year and was the silver medalist in the 200 five years ago.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804093208-10-olympics-080421-grasse-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse lies on the track after winning the 200-meter final on August 4. It's the first Olympic gold for De Grasse, who won bronze in the 100 this year and was the silver medalist in the 200 five years ago.
Hide Caption
78 of 312
![Emmanuel Korir, left, crosses the finish line just ahead of fellow Kenyan Ferguson Rotich <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-04-21-spt/h_0ecaf8fa5aa10f4087557bd3420c96b7" target="_blank">to win gold in the 800 meters</a> on August 4. Kenyan runners have won the 800 at the last four Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804094144-11-olympics-080421-800m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Emmanuel Korir, left, crosses the finish line just ahead of fellow Kenyan Ferguson Rotich to win gold in the 800 meters on August 4. Kenyan runners have won the 800 at the last four Olympics.
Hide Caption
79 of 312
![Singaporean swimmer Li-Shan Chantal Liew grabs a drink while competing in the 10-kilometer open-water event on August 4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803215806-01-olympics-080421-marathon-swimmnig-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Singaporean swimmer Li-Shan Chantal Liew grabs a drink while competing in the 10-kilometer open-water event on August 4.
Hide Caption
80 of 312
![US gymnast Simone Biles competes in the balance beam final on Tuesday, August 3. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2021/08/03/sport/gallery/simone-biles-return-balance-beam/index.html" target="_blank">She won the bronze</a> in her much-anticipated return to competition.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803054200-21-olympics-080321-gymnastics-biles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Simone Biles competes in the balance beam final on Tuesday, August 3. She won the bronze in her much-anticipated return to competition.
Hide Caption
81 of 312
![Sweden's Armand "Mondo" Duplantis competes in the pole vault final on August 3. He would go on to win the gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803214207-37-olympic-080321-pole-vault-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Sweden's Armand "Mondo" Duplantis competes in the pole vault final on August 3. He would go on to win the gold.
Hide Caption
82 of 312
![American runners Athing Mu, left, and Raevyn Rogers celebrate after the 800 meters on August 3. Mu, 19, won the gold and is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-03-21-spt/h_4ae43952a2625a65718b5cbc88da554d" target="_blank">the second-youngest 800-meter champion in history.</a> Rodgers won the bronze.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803214210-36-olympic-080321-womens-800m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American runners Athing Mu, left, and Raevyn Rogers celebrate after the 800 meters on August 3. Mu, 19, won the gold and is the second-youngest 800-meter champion in history. Rodgers won the bronze.
Hide Caption
83 of 312
![Poland's Anita Wlodarczyk celebrates after winning gold in the hammer throw on August 3. Wlodarczyk is<a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-03-21-spt/h_91f7f59d8442402997076f949c92db18" target="_blank"> the first woman to win a specific individual athletics event three times in a row</a> at the Olympic Games.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134024-34-olympics-080321-wlodarczyk-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Poland's Anita Wlodarczyk celebrates after winning gold in the hammer throw on August 3. Wlodarczyk is the first woman to win a specific individual athletics event three times in a row at the Olympic Games.
Hide Caption
84 of 312
![Spain's Alberto Ginés López competes in sport climbing on August 3. He would go on to win gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803215711-38-olympics-080321-sport-climbing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spain's Alberto Ginés López competes in sport climbing on August 3. He would go on to win gold.
Hide Caption
85 of 312
![Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah reacts <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-03-21-spt/h_bf3e0de4ba9674243fe29a8b449e5c1b" target="_blank">after defending her crown </a>in the 200 meters on August 3. She also won gold in the 100 meters on Saturday. She's the first-ever woman to win the 100 and 200 double at consecutive Olympic Games.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803225806-39-olympics-080321-womens-200m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah reacts after defending her crown in the 200 meters on August 3. She also won gold in the 100 meters on Saturday. She's the first-ever woman to win the 100 and 200 double at consecutive Olympic Games.
Hide Caption
86 of 312
![US gymnast Simone Biles is congratulated by coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi as it became evident that Biles would earn a medal on August 3. Biles now has seven Olympic medals, tying her with Shannon Miller for the most by an American gymnast.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803231225-40-olympics-080321-biles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Simone Biles is congratulated by coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi as it became evident that Biles would earn a medal on August 3. Biles now has seven Olympic medals, tying her with Shannon Miller for the most by an American gymnast.
Hide Caption
87 of 312
![German sailors Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel jump into the water as they celebrate winning bronze in the 49er category on August 3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134011-29-olympics-080321-sailing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
German sailors Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel jump into the water as they celebrate winning bronze in the 49er category on August 3.
Hide Caption
88 of 312
![Athletes compete in a 400-meter heat on August 3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134807-35-olympics-080321-400m-track-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes compete in a 400-meter heat on August 3.
Hide Caption
89 of 312
![Norway's Karsten Warholm celebrates after winning gold in the 400-meter hurdles on August 3. Warholm finished the race in 45.94 seconds, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_c575aefe40b0453a64105030fdda4b1c" target="_blank">breaking his own world record.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803050711-17-olympics-080321-hurdles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Norway's Karsten Warholm celebrates after winning gold in the 400-meter hurdles on August 3. Warholm finished the race in 45.94 seconds, breaking his own world record.
Hide Caption
90 of 312
![Japan's Sena Irie, right, celebrates after defeating the Philippines's Nesthy Petecio to win the women's featherweight final on August 3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803050706-19-olympics-080321-boxing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Sena Irie, right, celebrates after defeating the Philippines's Nesthy Petecio to win the women's featherweight final on August 3.
Hide Caption
91 of 312
![Germany's Malaika Mihambo <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_b269858c371c79e5729bac518d0211df" target="_blank">won gold in the long jump</a> on August 3. She leapt from third to the top of the leaderboard on her final attempt.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802234239-04-olympics-080321-mihambo-long-jump-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Germany's Malaika Mihambo won gold in the long jump on August 3. She leapt from third to the top of the leaderboard on her final attempt.
Hide Caption
92 of 312
![South Africa's Kyle Blignaut competes in the shot put on August 3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804211821-olympics-080321-blignaut-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
South Africa's Kyle Blignaut competes in the shot put on August 3.
Hide Caption
93 of 312
![Denmark's Viktor Axelsen is applauded after receiving his <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_9eeee5368bdc8f9a5ecb35b3a3a125fc" target="_blank">badminton gold medal</a> on Monday, August 2. He is the first player from outside of Asia to win Olympic gold in men's singles in more than 20 years.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213936-30-olympics-080221-badminton-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen is applauded after receiving his badminton gold medal on Monday, August 2. He is the first player from outside of Asia to win Olympic gold in men's singles in more than 20 years.
Hide Caption
94 of 312
![The United States' Carli Lloyd leaves the field after the Americans <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_b1b8d645ed70fa3fab891ec3cb76cf07" target="_blank">lost to Canada in a semifinal match</a> on August 2. The US team was trying to become the first reigning World Cup champion to win Olympic gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802091029-24-olympics-080231-womens-soccer-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Carli Lloyd leaves the field after the Americans lost to Canada in a semifinal match on August 2. The US team was trying to become the first reigning World Cup champion to win Olympic gold.
Hide Caption
95 of 312
![New Zealand's Laurel Hubbard competes in weightlifting on Monday, August 2. She <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_80658388c8d42fe99194a6687e9a0307" target="_blank">is the first openly transgender woman to compete</a> in the 125-year history of the Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802104941-25-olympics-080231-hubbard-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
New Zealand's Laurel Hubbard competes in weightlifting on Monday, August 2. She is the first openly transgender woman to compete in the 125-year history of the Olympics.
Hide Caption
96 of 312
![This photo, taken underwater, shows Greece's Evangelia Papazoglou and Evangelia Platanioti competing in artistic swimming on August 2. Artistic swimming used to be called synchronized swimming at the Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085452-19-olympics-080231-artistic-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
This photo, taken underwater, shows Greece's Evangelia Papazoglou and Evangelia Platanioti competing in artistic swimming on August 2. Artistic swimming used to be called synchronized swimming at the Olympics.
Hide Caption
97 of 312
![Jade Carey, a US gymnast <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_b7894bf5c54fa32296e7e1f0ab3b03dc" target="_blank">who won gold in the floor exercise,</a> places her medal over the neck of her father and coach, Brian, on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085554-20-olympics-080231-carey-medal-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jade Carey, a US gymnast who won gold in the floor exercise, places her medal over the neck of her father and coach, Brian, on August 2.
Hide Caption
98 of 312
![Runners compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085412-18-olympics-080231-3000m-steeplechase-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Runners compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on August 2.
Hide Caption
99 of 312
![Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim, left, and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi share the podium during a medal ceremony on August 2. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_86532abc405785d7c29b0fda0e27cdce" target="_blank">They agreed to share the gold medal in high jump</a> after they both cleared 2.37 meters but failed to clear 2.39. Beside them is bronze medalist Maksim Nedasekau of Belarus. No one was given a silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213941-32-olympics-080221-high-jump-medals-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim, left, and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi share the podium during a medal ceremony on August 2. They agreed to share the gold medal in high jump after they both cleared 2.37 meters but failed to clear 2.39. Beside them is bronze medalist Maksim Nedasekau of Belarus. No one was given a silver medal.
Hide Caption
100 of 312
![Kyrgyzstan's Akzhol Makhmudov, top, competes against Tunisia's Lamjed Maafi in Greco-Roman wrestling on August 2. Makhmudov went on to win a silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085819-21-olympics-080231-wrestling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kyrgyzstan's Akzhol Makhmudov, top, competes against Tunisia's Lamjed Maafi in Greco-Roman wrestling on August 2. Makhmudov went on to win a silver medal.
Hide Caption
101 of 312
![Cyclists from New Zealand competes in a team pursuit heat while China's Zhong Tianshi, left, takes a break on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802211455-29-olympics-080221-track-cycling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Cyclists from New Zealand competes in a team pursuit heat while China's Zhong Tianshi, left, takes a break on August 2.
Hide Caption
102 of 312
![American Valarie Allman celebrates <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-02-21-spt/h_9c313d4717e617966da08ec40cab0b49" target="_blank">winning the gold medal</a> in the discus on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213940-31-olympics-080221-discus-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American Valarie Allman celebrates winning the gold medal in the discus on August 2.
Hide Caption
103 of 312
![India's Neha Goyal embraces Navneet Kaur after a 1-0 win over Australia in a field hockey quarterfinal on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085857-22-olympics-080231-field-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
India's Neha Goyal embraces Navneet Kaur after a 1-0 win over Australia in a field hockey quarterfinal on August 2.
Hide Caption
104 of 312
![Dutch runner Sifan Hassan celebrates after winning <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_7420134ef52384301a9248b1d162bb5f" target="_blank">her 1,500-meter heat</a> on August 2. Hassan won despite falling down at the beginning of the last lap. She tripped over another runner but got up and raced past the field.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801223924-01-olympics-080221-womens-5000m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dutch runner Sifan Hassan celebrates after winning her 1,500-meter heat on August 2. Hassan won despite falling down at the beginning of the last lap. She tripped over another runner but got up and raced past the field.
Hide Caption
105 of 312
![Puerto Rico's Jasmine Camacho-Quinn leads the field on her way to a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles on August 2. It was Puerto Rico's second-ever gold medal and its first in track.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801230434-03-olympics-080221-womens-hurdles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Puerto Rico's Jasmine Camacho-Quinn leads the field on her way to a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles on August 2. It was Puerto Rico's second-ever gold medal and its first in track.
Hide Caption
106 of 312
![Chile's Humberto Mansilla competes in hammer throw qualifications on August 2.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801234055-05-olympics-080221-hammer-throw-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chile's Humberto Mansilla competes in hammer throw qualifications on August 2.
Hide Caption
107 of 312
![Greece's Miltiadis Tentoglou competes in the long jump on August 2. Both he and Cuba's Juan Miguel Echevarria had a top jump of 8.41 meters, but <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_e020f618747e2ab11a985a7728bfc2e8" target="_blank">Tentoglou won the gold medal</a> because his second-best jump was longer than Echevarria's.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802212118-04b-olympics-080221-long-jump-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Greece's Miltiadis Tentoglou competes in the long jump on August 2. Both he and Cuba's Juan Miguel Echevarria had a top jump of 8.41 meters, but Tentoglou won the gold medal because his second-best jump was longer than Echevarria's.
Hide Caption
108 of 312
![Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade poses with her medals on August 2. During these Games, she won gold in the vault and silver in the individual all-around.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802090204-23-olympics-080231-field-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade poses with her medals on August 2. During these Games, she won gold in the vault and silver in the individual all-around.
Hide Caption
109 of 312
![Polish table-tennis player Natalia Partyka, who was born without a right hand and forearm, eyes the ball during a doubles match on August 2. In the foreground is South Korea's Choi Hyo-joo. Partyka has competed in both the Olympics and the Paralympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801235705-05-olympics-080221-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Polish table-tennis player Natalia Partyka, who was born without a right hand and forearm, eyes the ball during a doubles match on August 2. In the foreground is South Korea's Choi Hyo-joo. Partyka has competed in both the Olympics and the Paralympics.
Hide Caption
110 of 312
![Italian sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/01/sport/lamont-marcell-jacobs-olympics-100m-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">wins the 100-meter final</a> on Sunday, August 1. He finished the race in 9.80 seconds, winning the first 100 final since the retirement of three-time champion Usain Bolt.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801091859-28b-olympics-080121-100m-jacobs-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Italian sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs wins the 100-meter final on Sunday, August 1. He finished the race in 9.80 seconds, winning the first 100 final since the retirement of three-time champion Usain Bolt.
Hide Caption
111 of 312
![From left, the United States' Caeleb Dressel, Brazil's Bruno Fratus, Great Britain's Benjamin Proud and Italy's Lorenzo Zazzeri swim the 50-meter freestyle final on August 1. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_c226c17ea9aa7f2579e8e24284aa494f" target="_blank">Dressel went on to win</a> with an Olympic record time of 21.07 seconds. He won five golds in Tokyo.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731215043-02-olympiics-080121-swimming-dressel-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, the United States' Caeleb Dressel, Brazil's Bruno Fratus, Great Britain's Benjamin Proud and Italy's Lorenzo Zazzeri swim the 50-meter freestyle final on August 1. Dressel went on to win with an Olympic record time of 21.07 seconds. He won five golds in Tokyo.
Hide Caption
112 of 312
![British diver Tom Daley, who has a whole <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madewithlovebytomdaley/" target="_blank">Instagram account</a> devoted to his hobby of knitting and crochet, works on a new creation while watching the women's 3-meter springboard final on August 1. On his Instagram Stories, he revealed he was making a "jumper," or sweater, for a French bulldog. Daley <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/26/sport/tom-daley-matty-lee-diving-olympic-gold-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">picked up the hobby</a> during the pandemic.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801213537-41-olympics-080121-tom-daley-knitting-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
British diver Tom Daley, who has a whole Instagram account devoted to his hobby of knitting and crochet, works on a new creation while watching the women's 3-meter springboard final on August 1. On his Instagram Stories, he revealed he was making a "jumper," or sweater, for a French bulldog. Daley picked up the hobby during the pandemic.
Hide Caption
113 of 312
![Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_81ebfce1a9943387db3fea815ae110da" target="_blank">won gold in the vault</a> on August 1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801083053-20-olympics-080121-gymnastics-vault-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade won gold in the vault on August 1.
Hide Caption
114 of 312
![Germany's Alexander Zverev reacts after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_2399c259ddcbd7c3811fb5fc9da62c03" target="_blank">winning his gold-medal tennis match</a> on August 1. He defeated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801082542-19-olympics-080121-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Germany's Alexander Zverev reacts after winning his gold-medal tennis match on August 1. He defeated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-1.
Hide Caption
115 of 312
![The United States' Isaiah Jewett, left, and Botswana's Nijel Amos help each other to their feet after falling during an 800-meter semifinal on August 1. They embraced and went on to finish the race together.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801204424-37-olympics-080121-800m-fall-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Isaiah Jewett, left, and Botswana's Nijel Amos help each other to their feet after falling during an 800-meter semifinal on August 1. They embraced and went on to finish the race together.
Hide Caption
116 of 312
![Field hockey players from Spain warm up before their match against Belgium on August 1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801113501-34-olympics-080121-field-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Field hockey players from Spain warm up before their match against Belgium on August 1.
Hide Caption
117 of 312
![During the medal ceremony for the women's shot put, the United States' Raven Saunders lifted her arms above her head and made an X with her wrists. When the silver medalist was asked what <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/02/sport/raven-saunders-podium-protest-olympics-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">the gesture</a> meant, she explained that "it's the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet." Saunders has been outspoken in the past about <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/27/sport/raven-saunders-olympics-shot-put-spt-intl-cmd/index.html" target="_blank">her desire to destigmatize mental health.</a> "Shout out to all my Black people. Shout out to all my LGBTQ community. Shout out to all my people dealing with mental health," she said. "At the end of the day, we understand it's bigger than us and it's bigger than the powers that be."](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802214539-raven-saunders-protest-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
During the medal ceremony for the women's shot put, the United States' Raven Saunders lifted her arms above her head and made an X with her wrists. When the silver medalist was asked what the gesture meant, she explained that "it's the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet." Saunders has been outspoken in the past about her desire to destigmatize mental health. "Shout out to all my Black people. Shout out to all my LGBTQ community. Shout out to all my people dealing with mental health," she said. "At the end of the day, we understand it's bigger than us and it's bigger than the powers that be."
Hide Caption
118 of 312
![China's Fan Yilin competes in the uneven bars final on August 1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801085422-23-olympics-080121-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
China's Fan Yilin competes in the uneven bars final on August 1.
Hide Caption
119 of 312
![Dutch sailor Kiran Badloe jumps into the water to celebrate after winning gold in the men's RS:X category on August 1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731221916-04-olympics-080121-sailing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dutch sailor Kiran Badloe jumps into the water to celebrate after winning gold in the men's RS:X category on August 1.
Hide Caption
120 of 312
![Venezuela's Yulimar Rojas celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_2505806e001df14d45588ce165a9747a" target="_blank">setting a new world record in the triple jump</a> on August 1. On her last jump of the night, she jumped 15.67 meters, breaking a record that had stood since 1995. It is Rojas' first Olympic gold medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801084410-21-olympics-080121-triple-jump-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Venezuela's Yulimar Rojas celebrates after setting a new world record in the triple jump on August 1. On her last jump of the night, she jumped 15.67 meters, breaking a record that had stood since 1995. It is Rojas' first Olympic gold medal.
Hide Caption
121 of 312
![French boxer Mourad Aliev refused to leave the ring after he was disqualified in his bout against Frazer Clarke on August 1. His protest lasted about an hour. He was disqualified for what the referee determined was an intentional headbutt.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801204422-39-olympics-080121-boxing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
French boxer Mourad Aliev refused to leave the ring after he was disqualified in his bout against Frazer Clarke on August 1. His protest lasted about an hour. He was disqualified for what the referee determined was an intentional headbutt.
Hide Caption
122 of 312
![Australian swimmer Emma McKeon dives into the pool at the start of the 50-meter freestyle final on August 1. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_a446974be9f9f42dd484d438fdc1f426" target="_blank">She won her third gold in Tokyo</a> and set an Olympic record time of 23.81 seconds.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731221003-03-olympics-080121-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australian swimmer Emma McKeon dives into the pool at the start of the 50-meter freestyle final on August 1. She won her third gold in Tokyo and set an Olympic record time of 23.81 seconds.
Hide Caption
123 of 312
![The United States' Raven Saunders competes in the shot put on August 1. Saunders, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_49dcfff65c83baeeee7adb5ad0c3dc67" target="_blank">who stood out with her eye-catching mask and her green and purple hair,</a> won the silver.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100205-31-olympics-080121-shot-put-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Raven Saunders competes in the shot put on August 1. Saunders, who stood out with her eye-catching mask and her green and purple hair, won the silver.
Hide Caption
124 of 312
![Georgia's Iakobi Kajaia, left, takes on Russian Sergei Semenov in a Greco-Roman wrestling quarterfinal on August 1. Kajaia went on to win a silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100211-33-olympics-080121-wrestling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Georgia's Iakobi Kajaia, left, takes on Russian Sergei Semenov in a Greco-Roman wrestling quarterfinal on August 1. Kajaia went on to win a silver medal.
Hide Caption
125 of 312
![Divers warm up ahead of the women's 3-meter springboard finals on August 1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100210-32-olympics-080121-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Divers warm up ahead of the women's 3-meter springboard finals on August 1.
Hide Caption
126 of 312
![From left, Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri, the United States' Bobby Finke, Ukraine's Mykhailo Romanchuk, Germany's Florian Wellbrock and Great Britain's Daniel Jervis race the 1,500-meter freestyle on August 1. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_fd9cb74d1f4403d6a096f915c2eeb0dd" target="_blank">Finke won the gold</a> after racing down Romanchuk and Wellbrock in the final 50 meters. Finke also won gold in the 800-meter freestyle earlier in these Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731222249-05-olympics-080121-swimming-finke-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri, the United States' Bobby Finke, Ukraine's Mykhailo Romanchuk, Germany's Florian Wellbrock and Great Britain's Daniel Jervis race the 1,500-meter freestyle on August 1. Finke won the gold after racing down Romanchuk and Wellbrock in the final 50 meters. Finke also won gold in the 800-meter freestyle earlier in these Olympics.
Hide Caption
127 of 312
![US golfer Xander Schauffele hits a tee shot during the third round on Saturday, July 31. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_59d1594d965ff40e9283eb85afbefd2c" target="_blank">He went on to win gold,</a> holding off Slovakia's Rory Sabbatini by one stroke.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730232843-41-olympics-073021-golf-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US golfer Xander Schauffele hits a tee shot during the third round on Saturday, July 31. He went on to win gold, holding off Slovakia's Rory Sabbatini by one stroke.
Hide Caption
128 of 312
![Members of the Dominican Republic's volleyball team line up before a match against Kenya on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731223241-31-olympics-073121-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Members of the Dominican Republic's volleyball team line up before a match against Kenya on July 31.
Hide Caption
129 of 312
![From left, Jamaican sprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson celebrate after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_fad429aba3c7d06c0e4de7fd7b3973ba" target="_blank">sweeping the 100 meters</a> on July 31. Thompson-Herah won gold and was followed by Fraser-Pryce and Jackson.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805134127-01-team-jamaica-sprinters-tokyo-100m-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Jamaican sprinters Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson celebrate after sweeping the 100 meters on July 31. Thompson-Herah won gold and was followed by Fraser-Pryce and Jackson.
Hide Caption
130 of 312
![Thompson-Herah crosses the finish line first in the 100 meters. Fraser-Pryce, center, won this event in 2008 and 2012.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731090603-24-olympics-073121-100m-thompson-herah-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Thompson-Herah crosses the finish line first in the 100 meters. Fraser-Pryce, center, won this event in 2008 and 2012.
Hide Caption
131 of 312
![Switzerland's Belinda Bencic serves to the Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova during the gold-medal tennis match on July 31. Bencic won 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731111145-28-olympics-073121-tennis-bencic-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Switzerland's Belinda Bencic serves to the Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova during the gold-medal tennis match on July 31. Bencic won 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
Hide Caption
132 of 312
![Poland won <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_0ca9ae0e1fbae06e5f1ca145f2e28674" target="_blank">the Olympics' first-ever mixed relay in the 4x400 meters.</a> From left are Kajetan Duszynski, Natalia Kaczmarek, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Karol Zalewski.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731084804-21-olympics-073121-mixed-relay-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Poland won the Olympics' first-ever mixed relay in the 4x400 meters. From left are Kajetan Duszynski, Natalia Kaczmarek, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and Karol Zalewski.
Hide Caption
133 of 312
![US diver Hailey Hernandez competes in the 3-meter springboard on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731074126-10-olympics-073121-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US diver Hailey Hernandez competes in the 3-meter springboard on July 31.
Hide Caption
134 of 312
![Japan's Shoichiro Mukai, left, and Germany's Eduard Trippel compete in team judo on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731211346-30-olympics-073121-judo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Shoichiro Mukai, left, and Germany's Eduard Trippel compete in team judo on July 31.
Hide Caption
135 of 312
![American swimmer Caeleb Dressel competes in the 100-meter butterfly on July 31. He finished in 49.45 seconds, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-30-21-spt/h_4199d75e43fa3fccdfcca6cb47520ebf" target="_blank">winning gold and breaking his own world record in the process.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730215037-33-olympics-073021-swimming-dressel-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel competes in the 100-meter butterfly on July 31. He finished in 49.45 seconds, winning gold and breaking his own world record in the process.
Hide Caption
136 of 312
![Russian fencers celebrate after winning gold in the team sabre event on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082904-18-olympics-073121-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian fencers celebrate after winning gold in the team sabre event on July 31.
Hide Caption
137 of 312
![Sweden's Armand "Mondo" Duplantis competes in the pole vault on July 31. He holds the world record in the event.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730232212-40-olympics-073021-pole-vault-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Sweden's Armand "Mondo" Duplantis competes in the pole vault on July 31. He holds the world record in the event.
Hide Caption
138 of 312
![Dutch field hockey players run from sprinklers after pre-match warmups on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082906-17-olympics-073121-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dutch field hockey players run from sprinklers after pre-match warmups on July 31.
Hide Caption
139 of 312
![Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_fad429aba3c7d06c0e4de7fd7b3973ba" target="_blank">winning gold in the 100-meter dash</a> on July 31. She set an Olympic record time of 10.61 seconds as she defended her title from 2016.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731091134-25-olympics-073121-100m-thompson-herah-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah celebrates after winning gold in the 100-meter dash on July 31. She set an Olympic record time of 10.61 seconds as she defended her title from 2016.
Hide Caption
140 of 312
![Kenya's Mercy Moim spikes the ball during a volleyball match against the Dominican Republic on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731021211-04-olympics-073121-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kenya's Mercy Moim spikes the ball during a volleyball match against the Dominican Republic on July 31.
Hide Caption
141 of 312
![Spanish tennis player Pablo Carreño Busta celebrates after he defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic to win bronze on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731083953-20-olympics-073121-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spanish tennis player Pablo Carreño Busta celebrates after he defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic to win bronze on July 31.
Hide Caption
142 of 312
![Members of New Zealand's rugby team hug after defeating France <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_c290ab55510bd8ce401aa12537d8b410" target="_blank">to win gold</a> on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731091814-26-olympics-073121-womens-rugby-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Members of New Zealand's rugby team hug after defeating France to win gold on July 31.
Hide Caption
143 of 312
![US swimmer Simone Manuel leaves the pool after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-31-21-spt/h_2c9984424e5cc46191c70c46ea5da190" target="_blank">failing to qualify for the 50-meter freestyle final</a> on July 31. In 2016, Manuel became the first African American woman to ever win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082943-16-olympics-073121-swimming-simone-manuel-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US swimmer Simone Manuel leaves the pool after failing to qualify for the 50-meter freestyle final on July 31. In 2016, Manuel became the first African American woman to ever win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming.
Hide Caption
144 of 312
![The United States' Katie Ledecky leads Australia's Ariarne Titmus during the 800-meter freestyle on July 31. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-30-21-spt/h_54e2fe78b366440913795bbeafb5f449" target="_blank">Ledecky won the event for the third straight Olympics.</a> Titmus took the silver.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730221836-35-olympics-073021-swimming-ledecky-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Katie Ledecky leads Australia's Ariarne Titmus during the 800-meter freestyle on July 31. Ledecky won the event for the third straight Olympics. Titmus took the silver.
Hide Caption
145 of 312
![The United States' Keni Harrison races a 100-meter hurdles heat on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730231834-39-olympics-073021-hurdles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Keni Harrison races a 100-meter hurdles heat on July 31.
Hide Caption
146 of 312
![Team Israel celebrates winning the bronze in the judo mixed-team event on July 31. France won the gold and Japan won the silver.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731074133-13-olympics-073121-judo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Team Israel celebrates winning the bronze in the judo mixed-team event on July 31. France won the gold and Japan won the silver.
Hide Caption
147 of 312
![Lydia Jacoby's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-30-21-spt/h_0c78cc31ccb8107279f316ba09d06600" target="_blank">goggles fell off</a> while the American was competing in the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay on July 31. The US team finished fifth in the event. Great Britain won the gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808105127-olympics-jacoby-goggles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Lydia Jacoby's goggles fell off while the American was competing in the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay on July 31. The US team finished fifth in the event. Great Britain won the gold.
Hide Caption
148 of 312
![Great Britain's Charlotte Worthington competes in BMX freestyle on July 31. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-08-01-21-spt/h_eb8e9933ba3a3896d7a5f838985b580e" target="_blank">She would go on to win gold.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731003743-02-olympics-073121-bmx-freestyle-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Great Britain's Charlotte Worthington competes in BMX freestyle on July 31. She would go on to win gold.
Hide Caption
149 of 312
![Great Britain's Jessica Learmonth competes in the mixed relay triathlon on July 31. Great Britain won gold in the event, which was the first of its kind in Olympics history.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730214103-30-olympics-073021-mixed-relay-triathlon-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Great Britain's Jessica Learmonth competes in the mixed relay triathlon on July 31. Great Britain won gold in the event, which was the first of its kind in Olympics history.
Hide Caption
150 of 312
![The world's top-ranked tennis player, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, reacts during his semifinal match against Germany's Alexander Zverev on Friday, July 30. Zverev won 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, ending Djokovic's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-30-21-spt/h_9febcc9aa1b72eb9df5e9c8a6b60d055" target="_blank">quest for a "Golden Slam."</a> Djokovic has already won the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon this year. He was looking to add an Olympic gold and then a US Open title later in the year. The only person in history to win all five in one calendar year was Steffi Graf in 1988.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202747-28-olympics-073021-tennis-djokovic-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The world's top-ranked tennis player, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, reacts during his semifinal match against Germany's Alexander Zverev on Friday, July 30. Zverev won 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, ending Djokovic's quest for a "Golden Slam." Djokovic has already won the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon this year. He was looking to add an Olympic gold and then a US Open title later in the year. The only person in history to win all five in one calendar year was Steffi Graf in 1988.
Hide Caption
151 of 312
![US players celebrate after they defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout July 30 to advance to the semifinals in women's football.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202750-29-olympics-073021-womens-soccer-us-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US players celebrate after they defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout July 30 to advance to the semifinals in women's football.
Hide Caption
152 of 312
![Swimmers compete in the 1,500-meter freestyle on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202733-24-olympics-073021-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Swimmers compete in the 1,500-meter freestyle on July 30.
Hide Caption
153 of 312
![A robot shoots a free throw during halftime of a women's basketball game between Belgium and Puerto Rico on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202736-25-olympics-073021-robot-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A robot shoots a free throw during halftime of a women's basketball game between Belgium and Puerto Rico on July 30.
Hide Caption
154 of 312
![Dominican baseball players Gustavo Nunez, left, and Julio Rodriguez collide as Rodriguez catches a ball during their 1-0 win over Mexico on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202743-27-olympics-073021-baseball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dominican baseball players Gustavo Nunez, left, and Julio Rodriguez collide as Rodriguez catches a ball during their 1-0 win over Mexico on July 30.
Hide Caption
155 of 312
![Ethiopia's Selemon Barega <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/sport/selemon-barega-tokyo-olympics-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">won the 10,000 meters</a> on July 30 after a thrilling sprint on the final lap.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730082155-19-olympics-073021-barega-restricted-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Ethiopia's Selemon Barega won the 10,000 meters on July 30 after a thrilling sprint on the final lap.
Hide Caption
156 of 312
![Australian diver Esther Qin competes in the 3-meter springboard event on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202752-30-olympics-073021-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australian diver Esther Qin competes in the 3-meter springboard event on July 30.
Hide Caption
157 of 312
![Athletes compete in the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-30-21-spt/h_14b192fc6e9c5e50db92d60028d2a1d4" target="_blank">Olympic debut</a> of the 4x400-meter mixed relay on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730080529-17-olympics-073021-relay-restricted-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes compete in the Olympic debut of the 4x400-meter mixed relay on July 30.
Hide Caption
158 of 312
![Lea Yanitsas, a goalkeeper for Australia's water polo team, tries to block a shot during a match against Spain on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730112117-21-olympics-073021-waterpolo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Lea Yanitsas, a goalkeeper for Australia's water polo team, tries to block a shot during a match against Spain on July 30.
Hide Caption
159 of 312
![Russian rugby player Anna Baranchuk reaches for the ball during a match against New Zealand on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202739-26-olympics-073021-rugby-women-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian rugby player Anna Baranchuk reaches for the ball during a match against New Zealand on July 30.
Hide Caption
160 of 312
![Morocco's Mohamed Tindouft falls while competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729212235-02-olympics-073021-steeplechase-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Morocco's Mohamed Tindouft falls while competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on July 30.
Hide Caption
161 of 312
![South African swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker is congratulated by some of her fellow competitors — from left, American Lilly King, American Annie Lazor and South African Kaylene Corbett — after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-29-21-spt/h_5fc36626ed162977a9a007f5febace8b" target="_blank">winning gold in the 200-meter breaststroke</a> on July 30. She broke the world record, finishing with a time of 2:18.95.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729220631-03-olympics-073021-swimming-schoenmaker-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
South African swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker is congratulated by some of her fellow competitors — from left, American Lilly King, American Annie Lazor and South African Kaylene Corbett — after winning gold in the 200-meter breaststroke on July 30. She broke the world record, finishing with a time of 2:18.95.
Hide Caption
162 of 312
![US gymnast Sunisa "Suni" Lee competes on the balance beam during the individual all-around final on Thursday, July 29.<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/sport/sunisa-lee-tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank"> Lee is the fifth straight American to win gold in the event</a> going back to the 2004 Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729103520-29b-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Sunisa "Suni" Lee competes on the balance beam during the individual all-around final on Thursday, July 29. Lee is the fifth straight American to win gold in the event going back to the 2004 Olympics.
Hide Caption
163 of 312
![The Czech Republic's Jiri Prskavec reacts after winning gold in the kayak final on July 30.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730080527-15-olympics-073021-kayak-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Czech Republic's Jiri Prskavec reacts after winning gold in the kayak final on July 30.
Hide Caption
164 of 312
![Australia's Saya Sakakibara receives medical attention after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-29-21-spt/h_d55cb6c29fe4a772ffb248a71eb69844" target="_blank">a crash in the BMX racing semifinal</a> on July 30. She was leading the race when she went down. American BMX racer Connor Fields was also injured in a semifinal race.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729235423-05-olympics-073021-bmx-sakakibara-injury-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australia's Saya Sakakibara receives medical attention after a crash in the BMX racing semifinal on July 30. She was leading the race when she went down. American BMX racer Connor Fields was also injured in a semifinal race.
Hide Caption
165 of 312
![Indonesian badminton players Apriyani Rahayu and Greysia Polii react after winning their quarterfinal match on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111308-24-olympics-072921-badminton-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Indonesian badminton players Apriyani Rahayu and Greysia Polii react after winning their quarterfinal match on July 29.
Hide Caption
166 of 312
![From left, US gymnasts Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner cheer for teammate Suni Lee after her gold-medal performance on July 29. Biles, the defending champion, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/28/sport/simone-biles-gymnastics-tokyo-2020-mental-health-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">withdrew from the event</a> because of mental-health concerns. <em>Correction: This caption has been updated to include Grace McCallum, who was previously misidentified by Getty Images.</em>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729093346-15-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, US gymnasts Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner cheer for teammate Suni Lee after her gold-medal performance on July 29. Biles, the defending champion, withdrew from the event because of mental-health concerns. Correction: This caption has been updated to include Grace McCallum, who was previously misidentified by Getty Images.
Hide Caption
167 of 312
![British field hockey players prepare to defend a penalty corner during a match against the Netherlands on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111256-23-olympics-072921-womens-hockey-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
British field hockey players prepare to defend a penalty corner during a match against the Netherlands on July 29.
Hide Caption
168 of 312
![American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, top, competes in the 100-meter freestyle final on July 29. With an <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-28-21-spt/h_63baf0a0f201fe751bcbe93b78f86bc7" target="_blank">Olympic record time</a> of 47.02 seconds, he won his fourth career gold medal and his second in Tokyo. He won the race by just .06 seconds.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728232137-07b-olympics-072921-swimming-caeleb-dressel-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, top, competes in the 100-meter freestyle final on July 29. With an Olympic record time of 47.02 seconds, he won his fourth career gold medal and his second in Tokyo. He won the race by just .06 seconds.
Hide Caption
169 of 312
![American gymnast Suni Lee takes a selfie with silver medalist Rebeca Andrade, center, and bronze medalist Angelina Melnikova after winning the individual all-around on July 29. Andrade is the first Brazilian to ever medal in women's gymnastics. Melnikova is Russian.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729094406-20-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American gymnast Suni Lee takes a selfie with silver medalist Rebeca Andrade, center, and bronze medalist Angelina Melnikova after winning the individual all-around on July 29. Andrade is the first Brazilian to ever medal in women's gymnastics. Melnikova is Russian.
Hide Caption
170 of 312
![Tunisia's Mohamed Hammed picks an arrow during archery competition on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729013552-12-olympics-072921-archery-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Tunisia's Mohamed Hammed picks an arrow during archery competition on July 29.
Hide Caption
171 of 312
![US beach volleyball player Sarah Sponcil stretches out for a ball during a match on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111316-25-olympics-072921-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US beach volleyball player Sarah Sponcil stretches out for a ball during a match on July 29.
Hide Caption
172 of 312
![US swimmer Katie McLaughlin places a silver medal around the neck of teammate Katie Ledecky after the 4x200-meter freestyle relay on July 29. The International Olympic Committee created a contactless medal ceremony, asking athletes to put their medals on themselves. Some athletes have been <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-29-21-spt/h_f28d5e8948c5b62f6965c00dcfd35a2f" target="_blank">putting the medal on their teammates.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729020238-14-olympics-072921-womens-freestyle-relay-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US swimmer Katie McLaughlin places a silver medal around the neck of teammate Katie Ledecky after the 4x200-meter freestyle relay on July 29. The International Olympic Committee created a contactless medal ceremony, asking athletes to put their medals on themselves. Some athletes have been putting the medal on their teammates.
Hide Caption
173 of 312
![Canadian fencer Eleanor Harvey, left, competes against France's Ysaora Thibus in a foil team quarterfinal on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729001038-11-olympics-072921-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Canadian fencer Eleanor Harvey, left, competes against France's Ysaora Thibus in a foil team quarterfinal on July 29.
Hide Caption
174 of 312
![Italy's Cristina Chirichella serves the ball during a match against Argentina on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728212241-03-olympics-072921-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Italy's Cristina Chirichella serves the ball during a match against Argentina on July 29.
Hide Caption
175 of 312
![Brazil's Bruna de Paula is defended by Spain's Lara González Ortega during a preliminary round handball match on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729013655-13-olympics-072921-handball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazil's Bruna de Paula is defended by Spain's Lara González Ortega during a preliminary round handball match on July 29.
Hide Caption
176 of 312
![Japanese golfer Rikuya Hoshino tees off to start his first round on July 29. The Olympic golf is taking place at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, Japan.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195248-01-olympics-072921-golf-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese golfer Rikuya Hoshino tees off to start his first round on July 29. The Olympic golf is taking place at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, Japan.
Hide Caption
177 of 312
![From left, the United States' Bobby Finke, Ukraine's Mykhailo Romanchuk and Germany's Florian Wellbrock dive in the water at the start of the 800-meter freestyle final on July 29. Finke won gold after a late rally.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728214201-04-olympics-072921-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, the United States' Bobby Finke, Ukraine's Mykhailo Romanchuk and Germany's Florian Wellbrock dive in the water at the start of the 800-meter freestyle final on July 29. Finke won gold after a late rally.
Hide Caption
178 of 312
![China's Sun Yingsha waits for a serve from Japan's Mima Ito during a table-tennis semifinal on July 29. Sun won to advance to the final.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729001034-10-olympics-072921-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
China's Sun Yingsha waits for a serve from Japan's Mima Ito during a table-tennis semifinal on July 29. Sun won to advance to the final.
Hide Caption
179 of 312
![BMX racers compete in the women's quarterfinals on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728224240-05-olympics-072921-bmx-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
BMX racers compete in the women's quarterfinals on July 29.
Hide Caption
180 of 312
![Spain's Cristina Ouviña, center, is defended by a group of Serbian players during a preliminary round basketball game on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729071607-16-olympics-072921-womens-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spain's Cristina Ouviña, center, is defended by a group of Serbian players during a preliminary round basketball game on July 29.
Hide Caption
181 of 312
![Japanese badminton player Arisa Higashino, top, hits a shot toward China's Huang Dongping in a mixed-doubles semifinal on July 29.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728211433-02-olympics-072921-badminton-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese badminton player Arisa Higashino, top, hits a shot toward China's Huang Dongping in a mixed-doubles semifinal on July 29.
Hide Caption
182 of 312
![US swimmer Katie Ledecky celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_86106ef469b0352fbf88fceea5aa405a" target="_blank">crushing the field in the 1,500-meter freestyle</a> on Wednesday, July 28. It was her sixth career gold medal and her eighth Olympic medal in all.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727232154-06-olympics-072821-ledecky-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US swimmer Katie Ledecky celebrates after crushing the field in the 1,500-meter freestyle on Wednesday, July 28. It was her sixth career gold medal and her eighth Olympic medal in all.
Hide Caption
183 of 312
![Ledecky led the field for most of the 1,500-meter freestyle, and she finished the race more than four seconds ahead of silver medalist Erica Sullivan, a fellow American.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727232608-07-olympics-072821-ledecky-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Ledecky led the field for most of the 1,500-meter freestyle, and she finished the race more than four seconds ahead of silver medalist Erica Sullivan, a fellow American.
Hide Caption
184 of 312
![Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto competes during the individual all-around on July 28. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-28-21-spt/h_2d7ccf6cf360f0a4dcb7e60b18f7e8ad" target="_blank">Hashimoto won the gold.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195305-34-olympics-072821-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto competes during the individual all-around on July 28. Hashimoto won the gold.
Hide Caption
185 of 312
![Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev receives medical treatment during his third-round singles match on July 28. Midway through the match, the Russian — known for his dry humor and sarcasm — approached the chair umpire <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-28-21-spt/h_b0563c9d42927603e030f93c22bb2492" target="_blank">to ask what would happen if he died.</a> Medvedev went on to win the match over Italy's Fabio Fognini.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728073616-12-olympics-072821-tennis-medvedev-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev receives medical treatment during his third-round singles match on July 28. Midway through the match, the Russian — known for his dry humor and sarcasm — approached the chair umpire to ask what would happen if he died. Medvedev went on to win the match over Italy's Fabio Fognini.
Hide Caption
186 of 312
![Poland's Lukasz Przybytek and Pawel Kolodzinski compete in the 49er sailing competition on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195250-33-olympics-072821-sailing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Poland's Lukasz Przybytek and Pawel Kolodzinski compete in the 49er sailing competition on July 28.
Hide Caption
187 of 312
![Serbia's Dusan Domovic Bulut, left, competes for the ball with Belgium's Rafael Bogaerts, center, and Thibaut Vervoort during a 3-on-3 basketball game on July 28. Serbia won the game for a bronze medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728102522-25-olympics-072821-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Serbia's Dusan Domovic Bulut, left, competes for the ball with Belgium's Rafael Bogaerts, center, and Thibaut Vervoort during a 3-on-3 basketball game on July 28. Serbia won the game for a bronze medal.
Hide Caption
188 of 312
![American divers Michael Hixon, left, and Andrew Capobianco compete in the synchronized 3-meter springboard event on July 28. They won silver. China's Wang Zongyuan and Xie Siyi won gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728203159-36-olympics-072821-synchronized-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American divers Michael Hixon, left, and Andrew Capobianco compete in the synchronized 3-meter springboard event on July 28. They won silver. China's Wang Zongyuan and Xie Siyi won gold.
Hide Caption
189 of 312
![From left, Jacquelyn Young, Stefanie Dolson, Kelsey Plum and Allisha Gray celebrate after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-28-21-spt/h_8aba5e07f9b1531a79bd7533f8c4ecc8" target="_blank">they won gold in 3-on-3 basketball</a> on July 28. This was the first year that 3-on-3 was an Olympic event.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728100138-23-olympics-072821-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Jacquelyn Young, Stefanie Dolson, Kelsey Plum and Allisha Gray celebrate after they won gold in 3-on-3 basketball on July 28. This was the first year that 3-on-3 was an Olympic event.
Hide Caption
190 of 312
![Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser competes in the time trial event on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727235419-09-olympics-072821-cycling-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser competes in the time trial event on July 28.
Hide Caption
191 of 312
![Fiji players celebrate after winning gold in rugby sevens on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728200403-35-olympics-072821-rugby-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fiji players celebrate after winning gold in rugby sevens on July 28.
Hide Caption
192 of 312
![Kazakhstan's Bekzad Nurdauletov gets hit by Russian boxer Imam Khataev during their light-heavyweight match on July 28. Khataev won 4-1.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728020614-11-olympics-072821-boxing-nurdauletov-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kazakhstan's Bekzad Nurdauletov gets hit by Russian boxer Imam Khataev during their light-heavyweight match on July 28. Khataev won 4-1.
Hide Caption
193 of 312
![Chinese weightlifter Shi Zhiyong celebrates July 28 after winning gold in the 73-kilogram weight class. He lifted 166 kilograms in the snatch and 198 kilograms in the clean-and-jerk, setting <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-28-21-spt/h_377e9649c19957df713a660d039f1d4e" target="_blank">a new world record total of 364 kilograms.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728102527-28-olympics-072821-weightlifting-shi-restricted-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese weightlifter Shi Zhiyong celebrates July 28 after winning gold in the 73-kilogram weight class. He lifted 166 kilograms in the snatch and 198 kilograms in the clean-and-jerk, setting a new world record total of 364 kilograms.
Hide Caption
194 of 312
![Japan's Megumi Murakami competes in a beach volleyball match on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728001026-10-olympics-072821-beach-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Megumi Murakami competes in a beach volleyball match on July 28.
Hide Caption
195 of 312
![A crowd watches equestrian action on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728073622-14-olympics-072821-equestrian-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A crowd watches equestrian action on July 28.
Hide Caption
196 of 312
![Australia's Ariarne Titmus swims her way to gold in the 200-meter freestyle on July 28. She also <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_2678ef626f78848939865d4d3a7abd69" target="_blank">set a new Olympic record,</a> finishing in 1:53.50. It is her second gold of these Olympics, as she also won the 400-meter freestyle.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727220637-04-olympics-072821-swimming-titmus-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australia's Ariarne Titmus swims her way to gold in the 200-meter freestyle on July 28. She also set a new Olympic record, finishing in 1:53.50. It is her second gold of these Olympics, as she also won the 400-meter freestyle.
Hide Caption
197 of 312
![Egyptian fencer Ziad Elsissy celebrates a team sabre win on July 28.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727214438-03-olympics-072821-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Egyptian fencer Ziad Elsissy celebrates a team sabre win on July 28.
Hide Caption
198 of 312
![US gymnast Simone Biles wears her warm-up gear after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/27/sport/simone-biles-tokyo-2020-olympics/index.html" target="_blank">she pulled out of the team all-around competition</a> on Tuesday, July 27. Biles withdrew after stumbling on the vault, Team USA's first apparatus of the night. She cited mental-health concerns for her withdrawal. "I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being," she told reporters.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727075612-32-olympics-072721-gymnastics-biles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Simone Biles wears her warm-up gear after she pulled out of the team all-around competition on Tuesday, July 27. Biles withdrew after stumbling on the vault, Team USA's first apparatus of the night. She cited mental-health concerns for her withdrawal. "I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being," she told reporters.
Hide Caption
199 of 312
![A tattoo of the Olympic rings is seen on the back of South African swimmer Brad Tandy on July 27. Many of this year's athletes <a href="https://www.cnn.com/style/article/olympics-tokyo-tattoos-trnd-spt/index.html" target="_blank">are sporting a wide range of ink.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727200527-45-olympics-072721-tattoo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A tattoo of the Olympic rings is seen on the back of South African swimmer Brad Tandy on July 27. Many of this year's athletes are sporting a wide range of ink.
Hide Caption
200 of 312
![A man sits among rows of empty seats as he watches table tennis at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727200531-46-olympics-072721-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A man sits among rows of empty seats as he watches table tennis at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on July 27.
Hide Caption
201 of 312
![US gymnast Simone Biles performs on the vault during the team all-around event on July 27. She stumbled on the landing and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/27/sport/simone-biles-tokyo-2020-olympics/index.html" target="_blank">withdrew right after that,</a> saying she wasn't in the right frame of mind to compete. "It just sucks when you're fighting with your own head," she told reporters.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728233400-04-simone-biles-072721-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Simone Biles performs on the vault during the team all-around event on July 27. She stumbled on the landing and withdrew right after that, saying she wasn't in the right frame of mind to compete. "It just sucks when you're fighting with your own head," she told reporters.
Hide Caption
202 of 312
![An underwater view shows the United States' Delaney Schnell, left, and Jessica Parratto after a dive in the the synchronized 10-meter platform event on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062538-22-olympics-072721-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
An underwater view shows the United States' Delaney Schnell, left, and Jessica Parratto after a dive in the the synchronized 10-meter platform event on July 27.
Hide Caption
203 of 312
![Turkish archer Yasemin Anagoz competes on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092509-41-olympics-072721-archery-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Turkish archer Yasemin Anagoz competes on July 27.
Hide Caption
204 of 312
![French slalom canoeist Marie-Zélia Lafont competes in the K-1 semifinal on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727230355-37-olympics-072721-kayak-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
French slalom canoeist Marie-Zélia Lafont competes in the K-1 semifinal on July 27.
Hide Caption
205 of 312
![Japan's softball team celebrates with head coach Reika Utsugi after winning the gold-medal game against the United States on July 27. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_13b9a6c62c003209afe550b465f7ab7e" target="_blank">Japan won 2-0.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727112845-43-olympics-072721-softball-japan-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's softball team celebrates with head coach Reika Utsugi after winning the gold-medal game against the United States on July 27. Japan won 2-0.
Hide Caption
206 of 312
![Russian gymnast Viktoria Listunova performs on the balance beam during the team all-around competition on July 27. She <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_8916e07951f273460cfa89cee9100a9a" target="_blank">won the gold medal</a> along with her teammates Vladislava Urazova, Angelina Melnikova and Lilia Akhaimova. Russian athletes at these Olympics are officially recognized as members of ROC, an abbreviation of the Russian Olympic Committee. That's because in 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/26/sport/what-is-roc-olympics-explainer-spt-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">banned Russia</a> from all international sporting competitions, including the Olympics, for doping non-compliance. Russian athletes can't compete under their country's name, flag and national anthem until December 2022.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727091509-37-olympics-072721-gymnastics-roc-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian gymnast Viktoria Listunova performs on the balance beam during the team all-around competition on July 27. She won the gold medal along with her teammates Vladislava Urazova, Angelina Melnikova and Lilia Akhaimova. Russian athletes at these Olympics are officially recognized as members of ROC, an abbreviation of the Russian Olympic Committee. That's because in 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia from all international sporting competitions, including the Olympics, for doping non-compliance. Russian athletes can't compete under their country's name, flag and national anthem until December 2022.
Hide Caption
207 of 312
![German table-tennis player Timo Boll serves during a match on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092115-38-olympics-072721-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
German table-tennis player Timo Boll serves during a match on July 27.
Hide Caption
208 of 312
![Taiwanese weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun reacts after winning gold in the 59-kilogram category on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092110-39-olympics-072721-weightlifting-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Taiwanese weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun reacts after winning gold in the 59-kilogram category on July 27.
Hide Caption
209 of 312
![A man in Yokohama, Japan, walks past the Olympic rings lit up at dusk on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727095342-42-olympics-072721-rings-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A man in Yokohama, Japan, walks past the Olympic rings lit up at dusk on July 27.
Hide Caption
210 of 312
![The United States' Carissa Moore celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_fef4a80c23cb5ec5e96752ab3be966f2" target="_blank">she won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in surfing</a> on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727071057-27-oolympics-072721-surfing-moore-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The United States' Carissa Moore celebrates after she won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in surfing on July 27.
Hide Caption
211 of 312
![American Regan Smith swims the final of the women's 100-meter backstroke on July 27. She won the bronze.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062551-26-olympics-072721-backstroke-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American Regan Smith swims the final of the women's 100-meter backstroke on July 27. She won the bronze.
Hide Caption
212 of 312
![American Haleigh Washington, left, spikes the ball during a volleyball match against China on July 27. The United States won in straight sets, 29-27, 25-22, 25-21.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062548-25-olympics-072721-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American Haleigh Washington, left, spikes the ball during a volleyball match against China on July 27. The United States won in straight sets, 29-27, 25-22, 25-21.
Hide Caption
213 of 312
![Norway's Helene Naess and Marie Ronningen compete in the 49erFX sailing competition on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092117-40-olympics-072721-sailing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Norway's Helene Naess and Marie Ronningen compete in the 49erFX sailing competition on July 27.
Hide Caption
214 of 312
![US diver Jessica Parratto cries after she and teammate Delaney Schnell won a silver medal in <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_b02acea3373d34c2ca2446b234d2e4e4" target="_blank">the synchronized 10-meter platform event</a> on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062545-24-olympics-072721-synchronized-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US diver Jessica Parratto cries after she and teammate Delaney Schnell won a silver medal in the synchronized 10-meter platform event on July 27.
Hide Caption
215 of 312
![Estonian fencer Katrina Lehis, left, squares off against Italy's Mara Navarria in the team epée semifinals on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727122119-20-olympics-072721-epee-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Estonian fencer Katrina Lehis, left, squares off against Italy's Mara Navarria in the team epée semifinals on July 27.
Hide Caption
216 of 312
![Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov wears a cat-themed mask as he waits to receive his gold medal on July 27. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_ca80c586169141bbb5c36a560e96b1cf" target="_blank">Rylov won the 100-meter backstroke.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062541-23-olympics-072721-backstroke-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov wears a cat-themed mask as he waits to receive his gold medal on July 27. Rylov won the 100-meter backstroke.
Hide Caption
217 of 312
![Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira competes in the gold-medal final on July 27. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-27-21-spt/h_8117e314543b1baab05b86ab651ffe12" target="_blank">He won gold despite his board breaking on his first wave.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062535-21-olympics-072721-surfing-ferreira-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira competes in the gold-medal final on July 27. He won gold despite his board breaking on his first wave.
Hide Caption
218 of 312
![Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka reacts during <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/27/tennis/naomi-osaka-loses-olympics-3rd-round-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">her third-round loss</a> to the Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova on July 27. Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, had 32 unforced errors in the match. It's the first time she has lost in a hard-court tournament since the 2020 Australian Open.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062524-18-olympics-072721-osaka-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka reacts during her third-round loss to the Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova on July 27. Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, had 32 unforced errors in the match. It's the first time she has lost in a hard-court tournament since the 2020 Australian Open.
Hide Caption
219 of 312
![Lydia Jacoby, left, is congratulated by fellow American swimmer Lilly King after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_8b08f43fae7fd1862ec3443ea9a91f9c" target="_blank">winning the 100-meter breaststroke</a> on July 27. Jacoby, 17, is the first-ever Olympic swimmer from Alaska, and she was not expected to win the event. King, a race favorite who won the event at the 2016 Olympics, finished with the bronze this time.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726225225-04-olympics-072721-jacoby-breaststroke-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Lydia Jacoby, left, is congratulated by fellow American swimmer Lilly King after winning the 100-meter breaststroke on July 27. Jacoby, 17, is the first-ever Olympic swimmer from Alaska, and she was not expected to win the event. King, a race favorite who won the event at the 2016 Olympics, finished with the bronze this time.
Hide Caption
220 of 312
![Brazil's Ana Paula Rodrigues Belo attempts to shoot during a handball match against Hungary on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727020420-14-olympics-072721-womens-handball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazil's Ana Paula Rodrigues Belo attempts to shoot during a handball match against Hungary on July 27.
Hide Caption
221 of 312
![Bermuda's Flora Duffy celebrates after she won <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_0ec1b5b43d5f069ead593b41c5652ef1" target="_blank">gold in the triathlon</a> on July 27. It's the first-ever Olympic gold medal for an athlete representing Bermuda.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726211326-01-olympics-072721-triathlon-flora-duffy-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Bermuda's Flora Duffy celebrates after she won gold in the triathlon on July 27. It's the first-ever Olympic gold medal for an athlete representing Bermuda.
Hide Caption
222 of 312
![From left, Hungary's Katinka Hosszú, the United States' Alex Walsh and China's Yu Yiting take part in a semifinal race for the 200-meter individual medley on July 27. Walsh won the race.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726231832-05-olympics-072721-swimming-womens-medley-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Hungary's Katinka Hosszú, the United States' Alex Walsh and China's Yu Yiting take part in a semifinal race for the 200-meter individual medley on July 27. Walsh won the race.
Hide Caption
223 of 312
![France's Endy Miyem is defended by Japan's Himawari Akaho during a basketball game on July 27. Japan defeated France 74-70.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726215316-02-olympics-072721-womens-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
France's Endy Miyem is defended by Japan's Himawari Akaho during a basketball game on July 27. Japan defeated France 74-70.
Hide Caption
224 of 312
![Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_ca80c586169141bbb5c36a560e96b1cf" target="_blank">winning the 100-meter backstroke</a> on July 27. His countryman Kliment Kolesnikov won the silver.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726233132-06-olympics-072721-swimming-mens-backstroke-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov celebrates after winning the 100-meter backstroke on July 27. His countryman Kliment Kolesnikov won the silver.
Hide Caption
225 of 312
![Members of the media are pictured in the foreground as Indonesia's Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, bottom left, and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo play a badminton match against Taiwan's Lee Yang, top left, and Wang Chi-lin on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726235428-10-olympics-072721-badminton-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Members of the media are pictured in the foreground as Indonesia's Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, bottom left, and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo play a badminton match against Taiwan's Lee Yang, top left, and Wang Chi-lin on July 27.
Hide Caption
226 of 312
![South Korean fencer Kang Young-mi, right, is congratulated by her teammates after they defeated the United States in the epée quarterfinals on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726233955-0708-olympics-072721-epee-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
South Korean fencer Kang Young-mi, right, is congratulated by her teammates after they defeated the United States in the epée quarterfinals on July 27.
Hide Caption
227 of 312
![US water polo player Johnny Hooper takes a shot during the team's 20-3 win over South Africa on July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726234521-09-olympics-072721-water-polo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US water polo player Johnny Hooper takes a shot during the team's 20-3 win over South Africa on July 27.
Hide Caption
228 of 312
![From left, Russian gymnasts David Belyavskiy, Artur Dalaloyan, Nikita Nagornyy and Denis Ablyazin react after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_f0e07d44e4025e1ec45ea08b3ff18719" target="_blank">winning gold in the team all-around</a> on Monday, July 26.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100522-17-olympics-072621-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
From left, Russian gymnasts David Belyavskiy, Artur Dalaloyan, Nikita Nagornyy and Denis Ablyazin react after winning gold in the team all-around on Monday, July 26.
Hide Caption
229 of 312
![Japanese table-tennis players Jun Mizutani, left, and Mima Ito celebrate <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_321ddbea93f900e73308f3c94c4b6015" target="_blank">their dramatic victory</a> over China in the mixed-doubles final on July 26. Mizutani and Ito came back from two sets down to win 4-3, clinching the final set 11-6. The win ended years of Chinese dominance in the sport. China had won every Olympic title in table tennis since South Korea's Ryu Seung-min triumphed in the men's singles competition at the 2004 Athens Games.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726202444-30-olympics-072621-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese table-tennis players Jun Mizutani, left, and Mima Ito celebrate their dramatic victory over China in the mixed-doubles final on July 26. Mizutani and Ito came back from two sets down to win 4-3, clinching the final set 11-6. The win ended years of Chinese dominance in the sport. China had won every Olympic title in table tennis since South Korea's Ryu Seung-min triumphed in the men's singles competition at the 2004 Athens Games.
Hide Caption
230 of 312
![The Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz reacts after winning the 55-kilogram weightlifting competition on July 26. It's her country's <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_2d6ab10499b245fa129318ece8b8e5ef" target="_blank">first-ever Olympic gold medal.</a> Prior to Diaz's gold, the Philippines had claimed three silvers and seven bronzes. Diaz won one of the silvers in the 2016 Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100951-20-olympics-072621-weightlifting-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz reacts after winning the 55-kilogram weightlifting competition on July 26. It's her country's first-ever Olympic gold medal. Prior to Diaz's gold, the Philippines had claimed three silvers and seven bronzes. Diaz won one of the silvers in the 2016 Olympics.
Hide Caption
231 of 312
![The sun sets in Tokyo on July 26 as Belgium plays the Netherlands in a men's 3-on-3 basketball game. The event is making its Olympic debut this year.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726122112-27-olympics-072621-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The sun sets in Tokyo on July 26 as Belgium plays the Netherlands in a men's 3-on-3 basketball game. The event is making its Olympic debut this year.
Hide Caption
232 of 312
![Volunteers sit in mostly empty stands during archery competition on July 26.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726003057-05-olympics-072621-empty-seats-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Volunteers sit in mostly empty stands during archery competition on July 26.
Hide Caption
233 of 312
![The Czech Republic's Lukas Rohan competes in a canoeing semifinal on July 26.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726104802-21-olympics-072621-canoe-slalom-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Czech Republic's Lukas Rohan competes in a canoeing semifinal on July 26.
Hide Caption
234 of 312
![Fencers Sofia Pozdniakova and Sofya Velikaya, both representing the Russian Olympic Committee, compete against each other in the individual sabre final on July 26. Pozdniakova, a two-time world champion and daughter of Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdniakov, defeated Velikaya 15-11.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100900-19-olympics-072621-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fencers Sofia Pozdniakova and Sofya Velikaya, both representing the Russian Olympic Committee, compete against each other in the individual sabre final on July 26. Pozdniakova, a two-time world champion and daughter of Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdniakov, defeated Velikaya 15-11.
Hide Caption
235 of 312
![Spain's Adrian Gavira Collado waits for a serve during a beach volleyball match on July 26.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726110119-23-olympics-072621-beach-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spain's Adrian Gavira Collado waits for a serve during a beach volleyball match on July 26.
Hide Caption
236 of 312
![Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung looks at his gold medal after beating Italy's Daniele Garozzo in the men's foil final on July 26. It was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_49e87856e0c333e6f009a513d4e01e57" target="_blank">Hong Kong's first gold</a> at the Summer Olympics in 25 years.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726142555-28-olympics-072621-fencing-gold-medal-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung looks at his gold medal after beating Italy's Daniele Garozzo in the men's foil final on July 26. It was Hong Kong's first gold at the Summer Olympics in 25 years.
Hide Caption
237 of 312
![Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus edges the United States' Katie Ledecky <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_0a7792e857fef154a53104963ec8a53d" target="_blank">to win the 400-meter freestyle</a> on July 26. It's the first Olympic medal for Titmus, the defending world champion in the event. Ledecky won the event at the 2016 Olympics, where she set a world record that still stands today.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725223729-03-olympics-072621-titmus-ledecky-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus edges the United States' Katie Ledecky to win the 400-meter freestyle on July 26. It's the first Olympic medal for Titmus, the defending world champion in the event. Ledecky won the event at the 2016 Olympics, where she set a world record that still stands today.
Hide Caption
238 of 312
![Three US swimmers — from right, Caeleb Dressel, Blake Pieroni and Bowen Becker — celebrate after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_a2676f178c57545842ef135c0601906e" target="_blank">winning the 4x100-meter freestyle relay</a> on July 26. Not pictured is teammate Zach Apple, who swam the anchor leg.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726002314-04-olympics-072621-swimming-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Three US swimmers — from right, Caeleb Dressel, Blake Pieroni and Bowen Becker — celebrate after winning the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on July 26. Not pictured is teammate Zach Apple, who swam the anchor leg.
Hide Caption
239 of 312
![Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya grinds a rail during the women's street competition on July 26. The 13-year-old <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-26-21-spt/h_6946ceefadd9040136faf87fdbcd8852" target="_blank">won gold in the new event,</a> a day after fellow Japanese skateboarder Yuto Horigome won gold on the men's side. She is one of the youngest gold-medal winners in Olympic history. She is just months older than the current female record-holder, American diver Marjorie Gestring, who was 13 years and 267 days old when she won gold at the Berlin Games in 1936.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726012101-07-olympics-072621-skateboarding-nishiya-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya grinds a rail during the women's street competition on July 26. The 13-year-old won gold in the new event, a day after fellow Japanese skateboarder Yuto Horigome won gold on the men's side. She is one of the youngest gold-medal winners in Olympic history. She is just months older than the current female record-holder, American diver Marjorie Gestring, who was 13 years and 267 days old when she won gold at the Berlin Games in 1936.
Hide Caption
240 of 312
![Iran's Meisam Salehi spikes the ball during a volleyball match against Venezuela on July 26.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725205309-02-olympics-072621-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Iran's Meisam Salehi spikes the ball during a volleyball match against Venezuela on July 26.
Hide Caption
241 of 312
![British divers Tom Daley, left, and Matty Lee compete in the synchronized 10-meter platform event on July 26. They won the gold.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726030842-12-olympics-072621-diving-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
British divers Tom Daley, left, and Matty Lee compete in the synchronized 10-meter platform event on July 26. They won the gold.
Hide Caption
242 of 312
![Norway's Kristian Blummenfelt lies on the ground wrapped in finish-line tape after he won the triathlon on July 26. On the right, silver medalist Alex Yee of Great Britain hugs bronze medalist Hayden Wilde of New Zealand.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725204010-01-olympics-072621-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Norway's Kristian Blummenfelt lies on the ground wrapped in finish-line tape after he won the triathlon on July 26. On the right, silver medalist Alex Yee of Great Britain hugs bronze medalist Hayden Wilde of New Zealand.
Hide Caption
243 of 312
![Norway's Richard Andre Ordemann is kicked in the face by Jordan's Saleh Elsharabaty during a taekwondo bout on July 26. Elsharabaty won 5-4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726013332-08-olympics-072621-taekwondo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Norway's Richard Andre Ordemann is kicked in the face by Jordan's Saleh Elsharabaty during a taekwondo bout on July 26. Elsharabaty won 5-4.
Hide Caption
244 of 312
![The US softball team celebrates its 2-1 win over Japan on July 26. The two teams will meet again in the gold-medal game July 27.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726021732-10-olympics-072621-softball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The US softball team celebrates its 2-1 win over Japan on July 26. The two teams will meet again in the gold-medal game July 27.
Hide Caption
245 of 312
![Athletes dive into the water at the start of the men's triathlon on July 26. A broadcast boat prevented all swimmers from starting, <a href="https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/mens-triathlon-kicks-bizarre-false-start-first-olympic-history" target="_blank">forcing a restart.</a> It was the first-ever call of its kind in an Olympic triathlon.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726025209-12-olympics-072621-triathlon-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes dive into the water at the start of the men's triathlon on July 26. A broadcast boat prevented all swimmers from starting, forcing a restart. It was the first-ever call of its kind in an Olympic triathlon.
Hide Caption
246 of 312
![Japan's Hifumi Abe celebrates after winning gold in judo on Sunday, July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726014012-69-olympics-072521-judo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Hifumi Abe celebrates after winning gold in judo on Sunday, July 25.
Hide Caption
247 of 312
![The Tokyo 2020 logo is reflected in the backboard as France's Evan Fournier rises for a shot on July 25. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_a157087079778afeb7aea72e8d599708" target="_blank">France upset the United States</a> 83-76 in what was both teams' opening games. The US team hadn't lost an Olympic game since 2004.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725094604-52-olympics-072521-mens-basketball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Tokyo 2020 logo is reflected in the backboard as France's Evan Fournier rises for a shot on July 25. France upset the United States 83-76 in what was both teams' opening games. The US team hadn't lost an Olympic game since 2004.
Hide Caption
248 of 312
![Chinese weightlifter Chen Lijun celebrates on July 25. He won gold in his 67-kilogram weight class after lifting 187 kilograms — an Olympic record — in the clean-and-jerk. His total lift of 332 kilograms edged Colombia's Luis Javier Mosquera Lozano by one kilogram.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725212911-59-olympics-072521-weightlifting-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese weightlifter Chen Lijun celebrates on July 25. He won gold in his 67-kilogram weight class after lifting 187 kilograms — an Olympic record — in the clean-and-jerk. His total lift of 332 kilograms edged Colombia's Luis Javier Mosquera Lozano by one kilogram.
Hide Caption
249 of 312
![Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten celebrates after completing the road race on July 25. She <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/25/sport/anna-kiesenhofer-annemiek-van-vleuten-tokyo-2020-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">thought she had won</a> the gold medal, not realizing that Austria's Anna Kiesenhofer had broken away from the pack and finished first. Cyclists race without earpieces at the Olympics, and that played a part in her confusion, she said. But she was still "really proud" of her silver medal.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725200156-58-olympics-072521-annemiek-van-vleuten-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten celebrates after completing the road race on July 25. She thought she had won the gold medal, not realizing that Austria's Anna Kiesenhofer had broken away from the pack and finished first. Cyclists race without earpieces at the Olympics, and that played a part in her confusion, she said. But she was still "really proud" of her silver medal.
Hide Caption
250 of 312
![US equestrian Adrienne Lyle rides Salvino in the dressage competition on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000121-65-olympics-072521-dressage-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US equestrian Adrienne Lyle rides Salvino in the dressage competition on July 25.
Hide Caption
251 of 312
![Great Britain's Adam Peaty competes in a semifinal of the 100-meter breaststroke on July 25. Peaty, the world-record holder in the event, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_b65390879a4243d82bb18001152511c3" target="_blank">went on to win gold in the final.</a> He also won the event at the 2016 Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000123-66-olympics-072521-swimming-peaty-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Great Britain's Adam Peaty competes in a semifinal of the 100-meter breaststroke on July 25. Peaty, the world-record holder in the event, went on to win gold in the final. He also won the event at the 2016 Olympics.
Hide Caption
252 of 312
![US gymnast Simone Biles stumbles on a balance beam dismount during the qualification event on July 25. She still qualified for the event finals, and the United States <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_fa065b586bab1321ad9e8ea5da343c94" target="_blank">finished second in qualification for the all-around.</a> "Obviously, there are little things we need to work on, so we'll go back and practice and work on that just so we can do our best performance at team finals (on Tuesday), because that's what matters," Biles said.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000117-62-olympics-072521-gymnastics-biles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US gymnast Simone Biles stumbles on a balance beam dismount during the qualification event on July 25. She still qualified for the event finals, and the United States finished second in qualification for the all-around. "Obviously, there are little things we need to work on, so we'll go back and practice and work on that just so we can do our best performance at team finals (on Tuesday), because that's what matters," Biles said.
Hide Caption
253 of 312
![American Anastasija Zolotic celebrates after <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_267d4d19709477d7666e338a9f160bbb" target="_blank">winning gold in taekwondo</a> on July 25. She is the first US woman to win Olympic gold in the event.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000120-64-olympics-072521-taekwondo-zolotic-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American Anastasija Zolotic celebrates after winning gold in taekwondo on July 25. She is the first US woman to win Olympic gold in the event.
Hide Caption
254 of 312
![Staff members prepare for judo competition at the Budokan arena in Tokyo.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000125-67-olympics-072521-judo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Staff members prepare for judo competition at the Budokan arena in Tokyo.
Hide Caption
255 of 312
![Spanish judoka Alberto Gaitero Martin is bandaged during his bout against Ukraine's Georgii Zantaraia on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000113-61-olympics-072521-judo-martin-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Spanish judoka Alberto Gaitero Martin is bandaged during his bout against Ukraine's Georgii Zantaraia on July 25.
Hide Caption
256 of 312
![China's Zhang Changning spikes the ball in a preliminary-round volleyball match against Turkey on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000118-63-olympics-072521-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
China's Zhang Changning spikes the ball in a preliminary-round volleyball match against Turkey on July 25.
Hide Caption
257 of 312
![Mexico's Dallas Escobedo warms up before a softball game against Italy on July 25. Softball is back at the Olympics for the first time since 2008.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725094657-53-olympics-072521-softball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Mexico's Dallas Escobedo warms up before a softball game against Italy on July 25. Softball is back at the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
Hide Caption
258 of 312
![American gymnast Simone Biles performs on the vault during the qualification round on July 25. The team all-around final is Tuesday, and the Americans will look to defend the gold they won at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725031049-45-olympics-072521-gymnastics-biles-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American gymnast Simone Biles performs on the vault during the qualification round on July 25. The team all-around final is Tuesday, and the Americans will look to defend the gold they won at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Hide Caption
259 of 312
![American swimmer Chase Kalisz celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-24-21-spt/h_c0d4c27f23d71040fdc15b662e33cae2" target="_blank">winning gold in the 400-meter individual medley</a> on July 25. It was the first medal for the United States in this year's Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725003040-35a-olympics-072521-swimming-kalisz-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
American swimmer Chase Kalisz celebrates after winning gold in the 400-meter individual medley on July 25. It was the first medal for the United States in this year's Olympics.
Hide Caption
260 of 312
![Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira rides a wave during an early heat on July 25. This is the first year that surfing is in the Olympics.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725004954-41-olympics-072521-surfing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira rides a wave during an early heat on July 25. This is the first year that surfing is in the Olympics.
Hide Caption
261 of 312
![Japan's Naomi Osaka hits a forehand during her first-round match against China's Zheng Saisai on July 25. Osaka won 6-1, 6-4.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725005810-42-olympics-072521-tennis-osaka-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Naomi Osaka hits a forehand during her first-round match against China's Zheng Saisai on July 25. Osaka won 6-1, 6-4.
Hide Caption
262 of 312
![Kimia Alizadeh, a taekwondo athlete representing the Olympic Refugee Team, kicks Iran's Nahid Kiyani Chandeh during her first match on July 25. Alizadeh was born in Iran and became the country's first female athlete to win an Olympic medal when she won bronze at the 2016 Games. But <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/03/sport/kimia-alizadeh-tokyo-olympics-iran-white-flag-refugee-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">she defected last year</a> amid searing criticism of the regime in Tehran. Alizadeh defeated Chandeh 18-9.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724234422-38-olympics-072521-taekwondo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Kimia Alizadeh, a taekwondo athlete representing the Olympic Refugee Team, kicks Iran's Nahid Kiyani Chandeh during her first match on July 25. Alizadeh was born in Iran and became the country's first female athlete to win an Olympic medal when she won bronze at the 2016 Games. But she defected last year amid searing criticism of the regime in Tehran. Alizadeh defeated Chandeh 18-9.
Hide Caption
263 of 312
![Marina Nekrasova, a gymnast from Azerbaijan, competes on the uneven bars during the qualification round on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724213744-34-olympics-072421-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Marina Nekrasova, a gymnast from Azerbaijan, competes on the uneven bars during the qualification round on July 25.
Hide Caption
264 of 312
![Italy's Alessandro Velotto moves the ball during a water polo match against South Africa on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724221718-36-olympics-072521-water-polo-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Italy's Alessandro Velotto moves the ball during a water polo match against South Africa on July 25.
Hide Caption
265 of 312
![Japan's Yuto Horigome competes in street skateboarding on July 25. Horigome went on to win <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_73a2a2d298ed1769881ee10c0f45f302" target="_blank">the first-ever Olympic gold medal in skateboarding.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726003619-68-olympics-072521-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Yuto Horigome competes in street skateboarding on July 25. Horigome went on to win the first-ever Olympic gold medal in skateboarding.
Hide Caption
266 of 312
![Hungarian fencer Flora Pasztor, left, competes against Algeria's Meriem Mebarki on July 25.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724205934-30-olympics-072421-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Hungarian fencer Flora Pasztor, left, competes against Algeria's Meriem Mebarki on July 25.
Hide Caption
267 of 312
![Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty, the world's top-ranked player who won Wimbledon earlier this month, reacts during her <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_875b23b20b49f797a713d5a76988e298" target="_blank">first-round loss </a>to Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo on July 25. Sorribes Tormo won 6-4, 6-3.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725012510-43-olympics-072521-tennis-barty-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty, the world's top-ranked player who won Wimbledon earlier this month, reacts during her first-round loss to Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo on July 25. Sorribes Tormo won 6-4, 6-3.
Hide Caption
268 of 312
![Australian swimmers celebrate together after they won gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on July 25. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-25-21-spt/h_7aa039b673c272d5a51721733bf985a6" target="_blank">They also set a new world record (3:29.69).</a> Clockwise from left are Meg Harris, Emma McKeon, Bronte Campbell and Cate Campbell.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724234557-39-olympics-072521-swimming-relay-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Australian swimmers celebrate together after they won gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on July 25. They also set a new world record (3:29.69). Clockwise from left are Meg Harris, Emma McKeon, Bronte Campbell and Cate Campbell.
Hide Caption
269 of 312
![German beach-volleyball players Julia Sude and Karla Borger play Switzerland's Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana Heidrich in an empty Shiokaze Park on Saturday, July 24.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724120310-28-olympics-072421-beach-volleyball-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
German beach-volleyball players Julia Sude and Karla Borger play Switzerland's Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana Heidrich in an empty Shiokaze Park on Saturday, July 24.
Hide Caption
270 of 312
![Hend Zaza, the youngest Olympian this summer, competes in table tennis on July 24. The 12-year-old Syrian was knocked out in the preliminary round, losing 4-0 to Austrian Jia Liu.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210108-32-olympics-072421-table-tennis-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Hend Zaza, the youngest Olympian this summer, competes in table tennis on July 24. The 12-year-old Syrian was knocked out in the preliminary round, losing 4-0 to Austrian Jia Liu.
Hide Caption
271 of 312
![Fans wait at the finish of the men's cycling road race on July 24. The Fuji International Speedway, in Oyama, Japan, is one of the five Olympic venues open to fans this year.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210037-31-olympics-072421-spectators-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fans wait at the finish of the men's cycling road race on July 24. The Fuji International Speedway, in Oyama, Japan, is one of the five Olympic venues open to fans this year.
Hide Caption
272 of 312
![Nigerian gymnast Uche Eke competes on the horizontal bar on July 24.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724104857-26-olympics-072421-gymnastics-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Nigerian gymnast Uche Eke competes on the horizontal bar on July 24.
Hide Caption
273 of 312
![Chinese fencer Sun Yiwen celebrates with her coach Hugues Obry after winning gold in the épée on July 24.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724104313-25-olympics-072421-fencing-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese fencer Sun Yiwen celebrates with her coach Hugues Obry after winning gold in the épée on July 24.
Hide Caption
274 of 312
![Chinese weightlifter Hou Zhihui competes on July 24. She <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-24-21-spt/h_7eef141d1b789bd62d1b4ad4e61a7fd5" target="_blank">set an Olympic record</a> in her 49-kilogram weight class, lifting 94 kilograms in the snatch round and 116 kilograms in the clean-and-jerk.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724081833-09-olympics-072421-hou-zhihui-weightlifting-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Chinese weightlifter Hou Zhihui competes on July 24. She set an Olympic record in her 49-kilogram weight class, lifting 94 kilograms in the snatch round and 116 kilograms in the clean-and-jerk.
Hide Caption
275 of 312
![China's Yang Qian, the first gold-medal winner of these Olympics, celebrates on July 24. She finished first in the 10-meter air rifle.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724222312-37-olympics-072421-first-gold-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
China's Yang Qian, the first gold-medal winner of these Olympics, celebrates on July 24. She finished first in the 10-meter air rifle.
Hide Caption
276 of 312
![Badminton players compete amid rows of empty seats on July 24.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724015041-03-olympics-07242021-badminton-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Badminton players compete amid rows of empty seats on July 24.
Hide Caption
277 of 312
![A staff member picks up the mouthguard of Great Britain's Peter McGrail during a boxing match on July 24.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724090432-23-olympics-072421-boxing-mouthguard-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A staff member picks up the mouthguard of Great Britain's Peter McGrail during a boxing match on July 24.
Hide Caption
278 of 312
![Cyclists compete in the men's road race on July 24. <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-24-21-spt/h_865e6f42d17b1c92f727d4660ae7fa9a" target="_blank">Ecuador's Richard Carapaz</a> won the race after breaking away in the final 10 kilometers.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210040-31-olympics-072421-cycling-road-race-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Cyclists compete in the men's road race on July 24. Ecuador's Richard Carapaz won the race after breaking away in the final 10 kilometers.
Hide Caption
279 of 312
![During a break in his first-round match, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/tokyo-2020-olympics-07-24-21-spt/h_06c4710f105dc100190c38cdf84b6a2a" target="_blank">cools down</a> with a mobile air conditioner and a towel with ice cubes. "It was some of the worst (heat) I've ever had," he said after he beat Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724090444-10-olympics-072421-tennis-daniil-medvedev-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
During a break in his first-round match, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev cools down with a mobile air conditioner and a towel with ice cubes. "It was some of the worst (heat) I've ever had," he said after he beat Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik.
Hide Caption
280 of 312
![Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron at the end of the opening ceremony on Friday, July 23.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723110619-93-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-naomi-osaka-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka lights the Olympic cauldron at the end of the opening ceremony on Friday, July 23.
Hide Caption
281 of 312
![Fireworks go off after Osaka lit the Olympic cauldron.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723112530-94-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fireworks go off after Osaka lit the Olympic cauldron.
Hide Caption
282 of 312
![An overhead view of Osaka lighting the cauldron. The cauldron was designed in the shape of a cherry blossom.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113423-99-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-naomi-osaka-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
An overhead view of Osaka lighting the cauldron. The cauldron was designed in the shape of a cherry blossom.
Hide Caption
283 of 312
![The Olympic flag is raised near the end of the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723130459-100-olympics-07232021-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Olympic flag is raised near the end of the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
284 of 312
![Live performers pose as the triathlon pictogram during the opening ceremony. There were 50 sports taking place this year in the Tokyo Olympics, and all of their <a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-unveils-games-pictograms" target="_blank">pictograms</a> were acted out by the performers.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723110416-92-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-restricted-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Live performers pose as the triathlon pictogram during the opening ceremony. There were 50 sports taking place this year in the Tokyo Olympics, and all of their pictograms were acted out by the performers.
Hide Caption
285 of 312
![Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, makes a speech during the opening ceremony. At left is Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102024-70-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, makes a speech during the opening ceremony. At left is Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.
Hide Caption
286 of 312
![Japanese jazz composer Hiromi Uehara plays the piano during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104552-85-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-hiromi-uehara-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japanese jazz composer Hiromi Uehara plays the piano during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
287 of 312
![The Olympic flag is carried toward the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102923-79-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Olympic flag is carried toward the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
288 of 312
![Japan's Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech and formally opens the Olympic Games.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113249-98-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-emperor-naruhito-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Japan's Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech and formally opens the Olympic Games.
Hide Caption
289 of 312
![Members of the Refugee Olympic Team march during the parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104710-86-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Members of the Refugee Olympic Team march during the parade of nations.
Hide Caption
290 of 312
![Tongan flag-bearer Pita Taufatofua made headlines for going shirtless at the 2016 and 2018 opening ceremonies, and he was at it again in Tokyo. He would be competing in taekwondo.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723112705-95-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Tongan flag-bearer Pita Taufatofua made headlines for going shirtless at the 2016 and 2018 opening ceremonies, and he was at it again in Tokyo. He would be competing in taekwondo.
Hide Caption
291 of 312
![Athletes from the United States march during the customary parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102832-77-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes from the United States march during the customary parade of nations.
Hide Caption
292 of 312
![During one portion of the opening ceremony, there were 1,800 drones flying over the stadium to form a globe in the night sky. As the glowing drones soared over the stadium, performers sang "Imagine" by John Lennon.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101423-63-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-drone-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
During one portion of the opening ceremony, there were 1,800 drones flying over the stadium to form a globe in the night sky. As the glowing drones soared over the stadium, performers sang "Imagine" by John Lennon.
Hide Caption
293 of 312
![Athletes from various nations sit during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102620-81-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes from various nations sit during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
294 of 312
![Athletes from Team Norway take part in the parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102623-75-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Athletes from Team Norway take part in the parade of nations.
Hide Caption
295 of 312
![The Olympic teams from every country watch performers on stage.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101710-68-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-united-states-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Olympic teams from every country watch performers on stage.
Hide Caption
296 of 312
![US athletes hold an American flag during the parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101449-65-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-united-states-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
US athletes hold an American flag during the parade of nations.
Hide Caption
297 of 312
![Russian athletes pose for a photo during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102718-76-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Russian athletes pose for a photo during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
298 of 312
![A police officer is seen in the mostly empty stadium on July 23. Organizers said that for the opening ceremony, only 950 VIPs would be present in a stadium that can seat nearly 70,000 people.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724230211-olympics-opening-empty-seats-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A police officer is seen in the mostly empty stadium on July 23. Organizers said that for the opening ceremony, only 950 VIPs would be present in a stadium that can seat nearly 70,000 people.
Hide Caption
299 of 312
![French athletes march during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113123-97-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-france-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
French athletes march during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
300 of 312
![A member of Egypt's delegation enters the stadium during the parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723084501-46-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-egypt-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A member of Egypt's delegation enters the stadium during the parade of nations.
Hide Caption
301 of 312
![British flag-bearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi lead out the team during the opening ceremony's parade of nations. Sbihi, a rower, made history as Great Britain's first Muslim flag-bearer.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723084726-50-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-great-britain-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
British flag-bearers Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi lead out the team during the opening ceremony's parade of nations. Sbihi, a rower, made history as Great Britain's first Muslim flag-bearer.
Hide Caption
302 of 312
![Greece's athletes march into the stadium to kick off the parade of nations.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723074429-34-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-greece-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Greece's athletes march into the stadium to kick off the parade of nations.
Hide Caption
303 of 312
![Dancers take part in the start of the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723071854-14-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Dancers take part in the start of the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
304 of 312
![People perform during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723074135-32-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-restricted-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
People perform during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
305 of 312
![The Japanese flag is carried during the opening ceremony. After the Japanese National Anthem was sung, a moment of silence was called to remember the global victims of the Covid-19 pandemic.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723072108-18-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The Japanese flag is carried during the opening ceremony. After the Japanese National Anthem was sung, a moment of silence was called to remember the global victims of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hide Caption
306 of 312
![A performer acts during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723072829-24-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A performer acts during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
307 of 312
![The start of the ceremony reflected the isolated training that many athletes had to do during the pandemic.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723071744-12-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
The start of the ceremony reflected the isolated training that many athletes had to do during the pandemic.
Hide Caption
308 of 312
![Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, takes part in a moment of silence during the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104926-87-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, takes part in a moment of silence during the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
309 of 312
![A lone performer is seen during the start of the opening ceremony.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723121150-09-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A lone performer is seen during the start of the opening ceremony.
Hide Caption
310 of 312
![A police officer gestures toward a small group of people who were protesting the Olympics outside the stadium on July 23. A significant portion of the Japanese public <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/22/sport/tokyo-olympics-preview-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">opposes holding the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic.</a>](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102329-74-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
A police officer gestures toward a small group of people who were protesting the Olympics outside the stadium on July 23. A significant portion of the Japanese public opposes holding the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic.
Hide Caption
311 of 312
![Fireworks explode over the stadium as the opening ceremony got underway.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723121037-07-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-large-169.jpg)
Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Olympics
Fireworks explode over the stadium as the opening ceremony got underway.
Hide Caption
312 of 312
![27 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808093527-27-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065755-28-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808080436-16-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808090621-23-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808084420-21-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808082654-19-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808091504-24-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808092113-25-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![22 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808084922-22-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808073440-10-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808072147-07-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![09 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065752-09-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808075242-14-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808065745-04-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 080821 closing ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808083622-20-olympics-080821-closing-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 080821 womens basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807232527-03-olympics-080821-womens-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 080821 Kipchoge marathon](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807222209-02-olympics-080821-kipchoge-marathon-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 080821 Sue Bird Megan Rapinoe](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808043426-07-olympics-080821-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe-small-11.jpg)
![08 olympics 080821 Serbia water polo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808044957-08-olympics-080821-serbia-water-polo-small-11.jpg)
![06 olympics 080821 omnium](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808031153-06-olympics-080821-omnium-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080821 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808014420-04-olympics-080821-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![olympics 080721 rhythmic gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807233321-olympics-080721-rhythmic-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 080721 baseball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100037-12-olympics-080721-baseball-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 080721 Allyson Felix](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807084935-10-olympics-080721-allyson-felix-small-11.jpg)
![13 olympics 080721 boxing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100042-13-olympics-080721-boxing-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 080721 Sifan Hassan](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100046-14-olympics-080721-sifan-hassan-small-11.jpg)
![06 olympics 080721 golf korda](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807012148-06-olympics-080721-golf-korda-small-11.jpg)
![15 olympics 080721 track cycling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100048-15-olympics-080721-track-cycling-small-11.jpg)
![11 olympics 080721 artistic swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100033-11-olympics-080721-artistic-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 080721 springsteen](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807110712-18-olympics-080721-springsteen-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 080721 brazil football](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807113732-19-olympics-080721-brazil-football-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 080721 water polo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807100141-16-olympics-080721-water-polo-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 080721 Neeraj Chopra](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807110243-17-olympics-080721-neeraj-chopra-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080721 basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807005039-04-olympics-080721-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080721 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210807010338-05-olympics-080721-diving-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 080721 womens marathon](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806215751-01-olympics-080721-womens-marathon-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 080621 relay](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806103644-16-olympics-080621-relay-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 080621 pentathlon schleu](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203503-24-olympics-080621-pentathlon-schleu-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 080621 football](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806122018-18-olympics-080621-football-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 080621 boxing medal](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806084231-07-olympics-080621-boxing-medal-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 080621 javelin](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806225124-28-olympics-080621-javelin-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 080621 wrestling steveson](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203448-21-olympics-080621-wrestling-steveson-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 080621 quinn](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203425-20-olympics-080621-quinn-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 080621 rhythmic gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806215749-25-olympics-080621-rhythmic-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![27 olympics 080621 5000m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806225117-27-olympics-080621-5000m-small-11.jpg)
![26 olympics 080621 womens field hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806222038-26-olympics-080621-womens-field-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![15 olympics 080621 felix](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806090639-15-olympics-080621-felix-small-11.jpg)
![11 olympics 080621 team artistic swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806084243-11-olympics-080621-team-artistic-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 080621 climbing garnbret](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203501-23-olympics-080621-climbing-garnbret-small-11.jpg)
![22 olympics 080621 karate ryo kiyuna](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806203452-22-olympics-080621-karate-ryo-kiyuna-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080621 womens basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806014027-05-olympics-080621-womens-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 080621 beach volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805233943-02-olympics-080621-beach-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080621 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210806005303-04-olympics-080621-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 08052021 diving Quan Hongchan](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805122016-20-olympics-08052021-diving-quan-hongchan-small-11.jpg)
![38 olympics 080521 rapinoe](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805221923-38-olympics-080521-rapinoe-small-11.jpg)
![40 olympics 080521 heptathlon javelin](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805224310-40-olympics-080521-heptathlon-javelin-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 080521 climbing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805222821-39-olympics-080521-climbing-small-11.jpg)
![06 olympics 080521 skateboarding](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804234548-06-olympics-080521-skateboarding-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 080521](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121820-34-olympics-080521-small-11.jpg)
![41 olympics 080521 hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805225442-41-olympics-080521-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![22 olympics 080521 baseball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805075901-22-olympics-080521-baseball-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympics 080521 400m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805220254-37-olympics-080521-400m-small-11.jpg)
![35 olympics 080521 basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805214122-35-olympics-080521-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080521 shot put](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804232922-05-olympics-080521-shot-put-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 080521 decathalon](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121814-30-olympics-080521-decathalon-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 080521 womens 10m diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805024853-14-olympics-080521-womens-10m-diving-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080521 110m hurdles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804231636-04-olympics-080521-110m-hurdles-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 080521 triple jump](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805121815-31-olympics-080521-triple-jump-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 080521 karate](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805001622-07-olympics-080521-karate-small-11.jpg)
![42 olympics 080521 Katie Nageotte](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805230454-42-olympics-080521-katie-nageotte-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 080421 cycling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804095905-12-olympics-080421-cycling-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 080421 artistic swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205908-17-olympics-080421-artistic-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 080421 equestrian jumpin](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205910-16-olympics-080421-equestrian-jumpin-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080421 skateboarding sky brown](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804005532-04-olympics-080421-skateboarding-sky-brown-small-11.jpg)
![15 olympics 080421 decathlon high jump](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804205914-15-olympics-080421-decathlon-high-jump-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 080421 400m hurdles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803225422-02-olympics-080421-400m-hurdles-small-11.jpg)
![08 olympics 080421 ganna cycling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804072005-08-olympics-080421-ganna-cycling-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 080421 grasse](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804093208-10-olympics-080421-grasse-small-11.jpg)
![11 olympics 080421 800m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804094144-11-olympics-080421-800m-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 080421 marathon swimmnig](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803215806-01-olympics-080421-marathon-swimmnig-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 080321 gymnastics biles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803054200-21-olympics-080321-gymnastics-biles-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympic 080321 pole vault](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803214207-37-olympic-080321-pole-vault-small-11.jpg)
![36 olympic 080321 womens 800m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803214210-36-olympic-080321-womens-800m-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 080321 Wlodarczyk](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134024-34-olympics-080321-wlodarczyk-small-11.jpg)
![38 olympics 080321 sport climbing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803215711-38-olympics-080321-sport-climbing-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 080321 womens 200m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803225806-39-olympics-080321-womens-200m-small-11.jpg)
![40 olympics 080321 biles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803231225-40-olympics-080321-biles-small-11.jpg)
![29 olympics 080321 sailing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134011-29-olympics-080321-sailing-small-11.jpg)
![35 olympics 080321 400m track](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803134807-35-olympics-080321-400m-track-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 080321 hurdles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803050711-17-olympics-080321-hurdles-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 080321 boxing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210803050706-19-olympics-080321-boxing-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080321 Mihambo long jump](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802234239-04-olympics-080321-mihambo-long-jump-small-11.jpg)
![olympics 080321 Blignaut](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210804211821-olympics-080321-blignaut-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 080221 badminton](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213936-30-olympics-080221-badminton-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 080231 womens soccer](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802091029-24-olympics-080231-womens-soccer-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 080231 hubbard](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802104941-25-olympics-080231-hubbard-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 080231 artistic swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085452-19-olympics-080231-artistic-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 080231 Carey medal](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085554-20-olympics-080231-carey-medal-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 080231 3000m steeplechase](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085412-18-olympics-080231-3000m-steeplechase-small-11.jpg)
![32 olympics 080221 high jump medals](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213941-32-olympics-080221-high-jump-medals-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 080231 wrestling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085819-21-olympics-080231-wrestling-small-11.jpg)
![29 olympics 080221 track cycling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802211455-29-olympics-080221-track-cycling-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 080221 discus](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802213940-31-olympics-080221-discus-small-11.jpg)
![22 olympics 080231 field hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802085857-22-olympics-080231-field-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 080221 womens 5000m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801223924-01-olympics-080221-womens-5000m-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 080221 womens hurdles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801230434-03-olympics-080221-womens-hurdles-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080221 hammer throw](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801234055-05-olympics-080221-hammer-throw-small-11.jpg)
![04b olympics 080221 long jump](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802212118-04b-olympics-080221-long-jump-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 080231 field hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802090204-23-olympics-080231-field-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080221 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801235705-05-olympics-080221-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![28b olympics 080121 100m jacobs](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801091859-28b-olympics-080121-100m-jacobs-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympiics 080121 swimming dressel](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731215043-02-olympiics-080121-swimming-dressel-small-11.jpg)
![41 olympics 080121 tom daley knitting](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801213537-41-olympics-080121-tom-daley-knitting-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 080121 gymnastics vault](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801083053-20-olympics-080121-gymnastics-vault-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 080121 tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801082542-19-olympics-080121-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympics 080121 800m fall](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801204424-37-olympics-080121-800m-fall-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 080121 field hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801113501-34-olympics-080121-field-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![raven saunders protest](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210802214539-raven-saunders-protest-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 080121 gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801085422-23-olympics-080121-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 080121 sailing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731221916-04-olympics-080121-sailing-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 080121 triple jump](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801084410-21-olympics-080121-triple-jump-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 080121 boxing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801204422-39-olympics-080121-boxing-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 080121 swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731221003-03-olympics-080121-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 080121 shot put](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100205-31-olympics-080121-shot-put-small-11.jpg)
![33 olympics 080121 wrestling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100211-33-olympics-080121-wrestling-small-11.jpg)
![32 olympics 080121 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210801100210-32-olympics-080121-diving-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 080121 swimming finke](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731222249-05-olympics-080121-swimming-finke-small-11.jpg)
![41 olympics 073021 golf](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730232843-41-olympics-073021-golf-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 073121 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731223241-31-olympics-073121-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![01 team jamaica sprinters tokyo 100m](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805134127-01-team-jamaica-sprinters-tokyo-100m-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 073121 100m Thompson-Herah](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731090603-24-olympics-073121-100m-thompson-herah-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 073121 tennis bencic](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731111145-28-olympics-073121-tennis-bencic-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 073121 mixed relay](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731084804-21-olympics-073121-mixed-relay-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 073121 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731074126-10-olympics-073121-diving-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 073121 judo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731211346-30-olympics-073121-judo-small-11.jpg)
![33 olympics 073021 swimming dressel](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730215037-33-olympics-073021-swimming-dressel-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 073121 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082904-18-olympics-073121-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![40 olympics 073021 pole vault](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730232212-40-olympics-073021-pole-vault-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 073121 hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082906-17-olympics-073121-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 073121 100m Thompson-Herah](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731091134-25-olympics-073121-100m-thompson-herah-small-11.jpg)
![04 Olympics 073121 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731021211-04-olympics-073121-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 073121 tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731083953-20-olympics-073121-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![26 olympics 073121 womens rugby](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731091814-26-olympics-073121-womens-rugby-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 073121 swimming simone manuel](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731082943-16-olympics-073121-swimming-simone-manuel-small-11.jpg)
![35 olympics 073021 swimming ledecky](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730221836-35-olympics-073021-swimming-ledecky-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 073021 hurdles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730231834-39-olympics-073021-hurdles-small-11.jpg)
![13 olympics 073121 judo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731074133-13-olympics-073121-judo-small-11.jpg)
![olympics jacoby goggles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210808105127-olympics-jacoby-goggles-small-11.jpg)
![02 Olympics 073121 BMX freestyle](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210731003743-02-olympics-073121-bmx-freestyle-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 073021 mixed relay triathlon](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730214103-30-olympics-073021-mixed-relay-triathlon-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 073021 tennis Djokovic](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202747-28-olympics-073021-tennis-djokovic-small-11.jpg)
![29 olympics 073021 womens soccer US](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202750-29-olympics-073021-womens-soccer-us-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 073021 swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202733-24-olympics-073021-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 073021 robot basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202736-25-olympics-073021-robot-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![27 olympics 073021 baseball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202743-27-olympics-073021-baseball-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 073021 barega RESTRICTED](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730082155-19-olympics-073021-barega-restricted-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 073021 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202752-30-olympics-073021-diving-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 073021 relay RESTRICTED](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730080529-17-olympics-073021-relay-restricted-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 073021 waterpolo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730112117-21-olympics-073021-waterpolo-small-11.jpg)
![26 olympics 073021 rugby women](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730202739-26-olympics-073021-rugby-women-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 073021 steeplechase](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729212235-02-olympics-073021-steeplechase-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 073021 swimming Schoenmaker](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729220631-03-olympics-073021-swimming-schoenmaker-small-11.jpg)
![29b sunisa lee olympics 2020 unf](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729103520-29b-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-small-11.jpg)
![15 olympics 073021 kayak](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210730080527-15-olympics-073021-kayak-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 073021 BMX Sakakibara injury](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729235423-05-olympics-073021-bmx-sakakibara-injury-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 072921 badminton](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111308-24-olympics-072921-badminton-small-11.jpg)
![15 sunisa lee olympics 2020 unf](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729093346-15-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 072921 womens hockey](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111256-23-olympics-072921-womens-hockey-small-11.jpg)
![07b olympics 072921 swimming Caeleb Dressel](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728232137-07b-olympics-072921-swimming-caeleb-dressel-small-11.jpg)
![20 sunisa lee olympics 2020 unf](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729094406-20-sunisa-lee-olympics-2020-unf-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 072921 archery](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729013552-12-olympics-072921-archery-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 072921 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729111316-25-olympics-072921-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 072921 womens freestyle relay](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729020238-14-olympics-072921-womens-freestyle-relay-small-11.jpg)
![11 olympics 072921 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729001038-11-olympics-072921-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 072921 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728212241-03-olympics-072921-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![13 olympics 072921 handball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729013655-13-olympics-072921-handball-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 072921 golf](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195248-01-olympics-072921-golf-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 072921 swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728214201-04-olympics-072921-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 072921 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729001034-10-olympics-072921-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 072921 bmx](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728224240-05-olympics-072921-bmx-small-11.jpg)
![16 olympics 072921 womens basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210729071607-16-olympics-072921-womens-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 072921 badminton](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728211433-02-olympics-072921-badminton-small-11.jpg)
![06 olympics 072821 ledecky swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727232154-06-olympics-072821-ledecky-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 072821 ledecky swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727232608-07-olympics-072821-ledecky-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 072821 gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195305-34-olympics-072821-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 072821 tennis medvedev](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728073616-12-olympics-072821-tennis-medvedev-small-11.jpg)
![33 olympics 072821 sailing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728195250-33-olympics-072821-sailing-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 072821 basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728102522-25-olympics-072821-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![36 olympics 072821 synchronized diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728203159-36-olympics-072821-synchronized-diving-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 072821 basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728100138-23-olympics-072821-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![09 olympics 072821 cycling](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727235419-09-olympics-072821-cycling-small-11.jpg)
![35 olympics 072821 rugby](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728200403-35-olympics-072821-rugby-small-11.jpg)
![11 olympics 072821 boxing Nurdauletov](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728020614-11-olympics-072821-boxing-nurdauletov-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 072821 weightlifting shi RESTRICTED](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728102527-28-olympics-072821-weightlifting-shi-restricted-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 072821 beach volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728001026-10-olympics-072821-beach-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 072821 equestrian](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728073622-14-olympics-072821-equestrian-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 072821 swimming titmus](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727220637-04-olympics-072821-swimming-titmus-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 072821 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727214438-03-olympics-072821-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![32 olympics 072721 gymnastics biles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727075612-32-olympics-072721-gymnastics-biles-small-11.jpg)
![45 olympics 072721 tattoo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727200527-45-olympics-072721-tattoo-small-11.jpg)
![46 olympics 072721](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727200531-46-olympics-072721-small-11.jpg)
![04 simone biles 072721](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210728233400-04-simone-biles-072721-small-11.jpg)
![22 olympics 072721 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062538-22-olympics-072721-diving-small-11.jpg)
![41 olympics 072721 archery](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092509-41-olympics-072721-archery-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympics 072721 kayak](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727230355-37-olympics-072721-kayak-small-11.jpg)
![43 olympics 072721 softball japan](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727112845-43-olympics-072721-softball-japan-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympics 072721 gymnastics ROC](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727091509-37-olympics-072721-gymnastics-roc-small-11.jpg)
![38 olympics 072721 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092115-38-olympics-072721-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 072721 weightlifting](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092110-39-olympics-072721-weightlifting-small-11.jpg)
![42 olympics 072721 rings](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727095342-42-olympics-072721-rings-small-11.jpg)
![27 oolympics 072721 surfing moore](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727071057-27-oolympics-072721-surfing-moore-small-11.jpg)
![26 olympics 072721 backstroke](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062551-26-olympics-072721-backstroke-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 072721 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062548-25-olympics-072721-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![40 olympics 072721 sailing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727092117-40-olympics-072721-sailing-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 072721 synchronized diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062545-24-olympics-072721-synchronized-diving-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 072721 epee](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727122119-20-olympics-072721-epee-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 072721 backstroke](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062541-23-olympics-072721-backstroke-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 072721 surfing Ferreira](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062535-21-olympics-072721-surfing-ferreira-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 072721 Osaka](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727062524-18-olympics-072721-osaka-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 072721 jacoby breaststroke](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726225225-04-olympics-072721-jacoby-breaststroke-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 072721 womens handball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210727020420-14-olympics-072721-womens-handball-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 072721 triathlon Flora Duffy](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726211326-01-olympics-072721-triathlon-flora-duffy-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 072721 swimming womens medley](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726231832-05-olympics-072721-swimming-womens-medley-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 072721 women's basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726215316-02-olympics-072721-womens-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![06 olympics 072721 swimming mens backstroke](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726233132-06-olympics-072721-swimming-mens-backstroke-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 072721 badminton](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726235428-10-olympics-072721-badminton-small-11.jpg)
![0708 olympics 072721 epee](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726233955-0708-olympics-072721-epee-small-11.jpg)
![09 olympics 072721 water polo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726234521-09-olympics-072721-water-polo-small-11.jpg)
![17 olympics 072621 gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100522-17-olympics-072621-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 072621 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726202444-30-olympics-072621-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![20 olympics 072621 weightlifting](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100951-20-olympics-072621-weightlifting-small-11.jpg)
![27 olympics 072621 basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726122112-27-olympics-072621-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![05 olympics 072621 empty seats](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726003057-05-olympics-072621-empty-seats-small-11.jpg)
![21 olympics 072621 canoe slalom](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726104802-21-olympics-072621-canoe-slalom-small-11.jpg)
![19 olympics 072621 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726100900-19-olympics-072621-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 072621 beach volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726110119-23-olympics-072621-beach-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 072621 fencing gold medal](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726142555-28-olympics-072621-fencing-gold-medal-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 072621 Titmus Ledecky](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725223729-03-olympics-072621-titmus-ledecky-small-11.jpg)
![04 olympics 072621 swimming](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726002314-04-olympics-072621-swimming-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 072621 skateboarding nishiya](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726012101-07-olympics-072621-skateboarding-nishiya-small-11.jpg)
![02 olympics 072621](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725205309-02-olympics-072621-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 072621 diving](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726030842-12-olympics-072621-diving-small-11.jpg)
![01 olympics 072621](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725204010-01-olympics-072621-small-11.jpg)
![08 olympics 072621 taekwondo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726013332-08-olympics-072621-taekwondo-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 072621 softball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726021732-10-olympics-072621-softball-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 072621 triathlon](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726025209-12-olympics-072621-triathlon-small-11.jpg)
![69 olympics 072521 judo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726014012-69-olympics-072521-judo-small-11.jpg)
![52 olympics 072521 mens basketball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725094604-52-olympics-072521-mens-basketball-small-11.jpg)
![59 olympics 072521 weightlifting](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725212911-59-olympics-072521-weightlifting-small-11.jpg)
![58 olympics 072521 Annemiek van Vleuten](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725200156-58-olympics-072521-annemiek-van-vleuten-small-11.jpg)
![65 olympics 072521 dressage](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000121-65-olympics-072521-dressage-small-11.jpg)
![66 olympics 072521 swimming peaty](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000123-66-olympics-072521-swimming-peaty-small-11.jpg)
![62 olympics 072521 gymnastics biles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000117-62-olympics-072521-gymnastics-biles-small-11.jpg)
![64 olympics 072521 taekwondo zolotic](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000120-64-olympics-072521-taekwondo-zolotic-small-11.jpg)
![67 olympics 072521 judo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000125-67-olympics-072521-judo-small-11.jpg)
![61 olympics 072521 judo martin](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000113-61-olympics-072521-judo-martin-small-11.jpg)
![63 olympics 072521 volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726000118-63-olympics-072521-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![53 olympics 072521 softball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725094657-53-olympics-072521-softball-small-11.jpg)
![45 olympics 072521 gymnastics biles](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725031049-45-olympics-072521-gymnastics-biles-small-11.jpg)
![35a olympics 072521 swimming Kalisz](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725003040-35a-olympics-072521-swimming-kalisz-small-11.jpg)
![41 olympics 072521 surfing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725004954-41-olympics-072521-surfing-small-11.jpg)
![42 olympics 072521 tennis osaka](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725005810-42-olympics-072521-tennis-osaka-small-11.jpg)
![38 olympics 072521 taekwondo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724234422-38-olympics-072521-taekwondo-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 072421 gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724213744-34-olympics-072421-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![36 olympics 072521 water polo](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724221718-36-olympics-072521-water-polo-small-11.jpg)
![68 olympics 072521](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210726003619-68-olympics-072521-small-11.jpg)
![30 olympics 072421 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724205934-30-olympics-072421-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![43 olympics 072521 tennis barty](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210725012510-43-olympics-072521-tennis-barty-small-11.jpg)
![39 olympics 072521 swimming relay](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724234557-39-olympics-072521-swimming-relay-small-11.jpg)
![28 olympics 072421 beach volleyball](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724120310-28-olympics-072421-beach-volleyball-small-11.jpg)
![32 olympics 072421 table tennis](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210108-32-olympics-072421-table-tennis-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 072421 spectators](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210037-31-olympics-072421-spectators-small-11.jpg)
![26 olympics 072421 gymnastics](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724104857-26-olympics-072421-gymnastics-small-11.jpg)
![25 olympics 072421 fencing](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724104313-25-olympics-072421-fencing-small-11.jpg)
![09 olympics 072421 Hou Zhihui weightlifting](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724081833-09-olympics-072421-hou-zhihui-weightlifting-small-11.jpg)
![37 olympics 072421 first gold](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724222312-37-olympics-072421-first-gold-small-11.jpg)
![03 olympics 07242021 badminton](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724015041-03-olympics-07242021-badminton-small-11.jpg)
![23 olympics 072421 boxing mouthguard](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724090432-23-olympics-072421-boxing-mouthguard-small-11.jpg)
![31 olympics 072421 cycling road race](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724210040-31-olympics-072421-cycling-road-race-small-11.jpg)
![10 olympics 072421 tennis Daniil Medvedev](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724090444-10-olympics-072421-tennis-daniil-medvedev-small-11.jpg)
![93 olympics 072321 opening ceremony naomi osaka](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723110619-93-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-naomi-osaka-small-11.jpg)
![94 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723112530-94-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![99 olympics 072321 opening ceremony naomi osaka](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113423-99-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-naomi-osaka-small-11.jpg)
![100 olympics 07232021 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723130459-100-olympics-07232021-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![92 olympics 072321 opening ceremony RESTRICTED](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723110416-92-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-restricted-small-11.jpg)
![70 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102024-70-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![85 olympics 072321 opening ceremony Hiromi Uehara](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104552-85-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-hiromi-uehara-small-11.jpg)
![79 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102923-79-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![98 olympics 072321 opening ceremony Emperor Naruhito](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113249-98-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-emperor-naruhito-small-11.jpg)
![86 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104710-86-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![95 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723112705-95-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![77 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102832-77-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![63 olympics 072321 opening ceremony drone](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101423-63-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-drone-small-11.jpg)
![81 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102620-81-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![75 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102623-75-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![68 olympics 072321 opening ceremony united states](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101710-68-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-united-states-small-11.jpg)
![65 olympics 072321 opening ceremony united states](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723101449-65-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-united-states-small-11.jpg)
![76 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102718-76-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![olympics opening empty seats](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210724230211-olympics-opening-empty-seats-small-11.jpg)
![97 olympics 072321 opening ceremony France](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723113123-97-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-france-small-11.jpg)
![46 olympics 072321 opening ceremony Egypt](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723084501-46-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-egypt-small-11.jpg)
![50 olympics 072321 opening ceremony Great Britain](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723084726-50-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-great-britain-small-11.jpg)
![34 olympics 072321 opening ceremony greece](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723074429-34-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-greece-small-11.jpg)
![14 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723071854-14-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![32 olympics 072321 opening ceremony RESTRICTED](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723074135-32-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-restricted-small-11.jpg)
![18 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723072108-18-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![24 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723072829-24-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![12 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723071744-12-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![87 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723104926-87-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![09 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723121150-09-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
![74 olympics 072321 opening cremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723102329-74-olympics-072321-opening-cremony-small-11.jpg)
![07 olympics 072321 opening ceremony](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210723121037-07-olympics-072321-opening-ceremony-small-11.jpg)
Culture plays a part.
Professor Toni Bruce, an expert in the sociology of sport at the University of Auckland told CNN: "I think sports media reflects society. So as society changes, then sports media changes, but it's often running behind the change -- not necessarily leading it."
New Zealand is a good example of societal change leading the way for sport coverage, she explained, noting that in the 12 channels broadcasting Olympic coverage this week to be generally good with gender-neutral terminology -- with commentators using words such as "strength" and "ability" when speaking about women.
Underpinning that language is New Zealand's structural commitment to gender parity: The country sits in fourth place for gender equality, according to the 2021 World Economic Forum Index.
"There is sort of a kind of energy in New Zealand at the moment around gender equality and making sure that we do the best job and don't fall into these old tropes in terms of how you talk about female athletes," Bruce said.
When there is a real commitment towards gender equality and growing women's sport, coupled with growing the diversity of people who are commenting, writing or in charge of news coverage, significant progress can be made, Bruce said.
Still, she acknowledged that New Zealand is likely to be in a "different place as a nation compared to some of the other countries."
This rings true for Smith, who played 74 times for New Zealand and whose 10-year international football career brought her to clubs in the US, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland.
![Rebecca Smith, seen in action against Japan's Kozue Ando of Japan during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 match between Japan and New Zealand in 2011.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805154846-rebecca-smith-world-cup-2011-large-169.jpg)
Rebecca Smith, seen in action against Japan's Kozue Ando of Japan during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 match between Japan and New Zealand in 2011.
In Germany, the media continued to perpetuate narrow and damaging stereotypes of female footballers, she said, even when their team thrice held the title of European champions.
But in places like the US (where Title IX, the landmark gender equity law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 banned sex discrimination in federally funded education programs), or in Sweden (where gender equality across socio-political and economic landscapes is robust), language around women in sport appeared to be much more concentrated on terms like "athleticism" and "strength," she said.
Smith then looks to England's difficult history with women's football, explaining that although it claims to be the home of the sport, women were essentially banned in 1921 from playing it -- a measure that lasted for 50 years.
"I think that really set them behind both in like the performance and the athletes," Smith said, "but also in commentary and how they look at athletes and how they look at women."
She added that those practices still prevail, pointing to the fact that schoolgirls are still unable to play or access the same opportunities to play football as boys, with many encouraged to take up netball instead.
This segregated nature of sport was noted in the 2016 Cambridge study, which found that the only context where women are mentioned more in reporting is to delineate their sports as "other" -- meaning that men's sport is often considered the norm.
Basketball, golf, football and cycling is often just called by their names, while female teams will be marked as "women's basketball, women's golf, women's football."
Kyoung-yim Kim, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Social Science at Boston College, explains that ultimately these problems stem from a "sex-segregated structure" that is "based on the sexist understanding of gender differences."
"It is this understanding of gender that causes this problematic media coverage of girls of women," Kim said, adding that the infantilizing and "ambivalent framing of women's accomplishment" in sport stems from our social understanding of gender.
In order to change this language, that entire system has to be challenged, she said.
This year, Tokyo 2020 is hosting 18 mixed-gender events.
![Athletes compete in the mixed 4x400m relay final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 31.](http://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210805135406-mixed-4x400-relay-0731-large-169.jpg)
Athletes compete in the mixed 4x400m relay final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 31.
But Kim suggests the IOC has more work to do, pointing to the fact there is no third gender or intersex delegation as well as the continued regulation of women's participation in sport through "sex testing" -- practices that human rights advocates including Human Rights Watch say violate fundamental rights to privacy and dignity.
"The IOC and their entire structure of sport basically reproduces and embodies the binarized and hierarchical forms of gender," said KIm.
"If they want to challenge this sexist language and hierarchical language then there should be discussions, at least, to talk about how the IOC can be a frontline institution thinking critically about this binary notion about sport structure as a whole."
The IOC told CNN Sport that it is "committed to inclusion across the Olympic Movement and recognizes that all athletes, regardless of their gender identity or sex characteristics should engage in safe and fair competition," and that the current guidance on eligibility to complete in male and female competition -- issued in 2015 -- is currently under review.
"Recognizing that there is a perceived tension between fairness/safety and inclusion/non-discrimination, and in consideration of the latest developments on many fronts, the IOC has decided in October 2019 to work on a new comprehensive and rights-respecting approach to address the complexity of this issue.
Currently, the IOC is developing new guidance to help ensure that athletes -- regardless of their gender identity and/or sex characteristics -- can engage in safe and fair competition," the organization said.
There has been much debate about the inclusion of transgender athletes in the Games, with the IOC saying that they will review guidelines for trans athletes after Tokyo 2020.
"I am not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation at these Games," said New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, who became the first out transgender woman to compete in the 125-year history of the Olympics on Monday.
"And as such, I would particularly like to thank the IOC for, I think, really affirming its commitment to the principles of Olympism and establishing that sport is something for all people. It is inclusive, accessible."
For Smith, who now works as a consultant, there are clear steps that we can take to drive this change, including elevating former athletes who can speak from a position of experience and authority to commentator roles, as well as investing in more women (and diversifying talent) at the executive level.
Without that commitment, the cycle will continue, with the next generation not living up to their full potential, she said.
"If we're constantly feeding them messages that are not gender equal, that are racist or homophobic or not inclusive, then I think that we're bringing up a generation that's going to be ignorant and not inclusive -- and we're not going to be the best form of the human race that we can be," Smith said.
Illustration by CNN's Woojin Lee