Tokyo 2020 marks 50 days to go with victory ceremony preview

Tokyo 2020 unveils the medal ceremony items. © Tokyo 2020/Shugo Takemi
Tokyo 2020 unveils the medal ceremony items. © Tokyo 2020/Shugo Takemi

Tokyo, Japan, June 4, 2021: Tokyo 2020 unveiled the key items that will be used during the victory ceremonies at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the occasion of 50 days to the July 23 opening ceremony on Thursday, June 3.

The historic event at the Ariake Arena saw the highly-anticipated reveal of the podiums, theme music, costumes worn by medal bearers and medal trays.

The venue, which will play host to the volleyball and wheelchair basketball tournaments this summer, provided a stunning backdrop to the ceremony that was live-streamed to a global audience.

"At the Tokyo 2020 Games there will be a total of 878 victory ceremonies; 339 during the Olympic Games and 539 during the Paralympic Games," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said. 

"I hope, when the athletes are on top of the podiums, and with the whole world watching, that in these moments we can truly appreciate the value of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in this era.

"I look forward in earnest to the outstanding performances of all athletes, and would like everyone in Japan to join in uplifting them as we endeavour through these challenging times together," she added.

In an Olympic first, the podiums have been created using recycled household plastic waste, donated by the people across Japan to illustrate how a sustainable society can be realised.

Source: https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020