After a 17-day journey... What Olympic moments did foreign media highlight?

Belarus Track and Field National Team Athlete Chimanuskaya
Faces Forced Repatriation Risk During Competition
US Female Gymnast Biles
Complains of Pressure from 'Twisties' Symptoms

▲Belarusian national track and field athlete Kristina Tsimanouskaya (24), who attended the Tokyo Olympics and defected to Poland [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] The Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed for a year due to COVID-19 in an unprecedented move, concluded on the 8th after a 17-day marathon. The event was tumultuous even before it began, and the Games themselves were marked by a series of dramatic incidents and accidents.

Among these, foreign media highlighted the asylum case of Belarusian track and field national representative Kristina Tsimanouskaya (24), who faced forced repatriation during the competition, as one of the unforgettable Olympic moments. Tsimanouskaya, whose main event is sprinting, was unexpectedly added to the 1600m relay team roster without prior notice. After posting criticism of the coaching staff on social media (SNS), she faced forced repatriation. This incident became politically charged as it was reported as an 'attempted government kidnapping,' and Tsimanouskaya was granted a humanitarian visa by the Polish government and sought asylum.

Another notable moment was the bronze medal won by American gymnastics queen Simone Biles (24), who withdrew mid-competition citing mental pressure. Initially, Biles was expected to make history by winning six gold medals in gymnastics at the Olympics, but on July 27, after performing on the vault during the women's team event, she suddenly announced her withdrawal. Biles revealed on her SNS that she was suffering from 'twisties,' a mental condition experienced by gymnasts where the body does not respond as intended.

Biles confessed, "I cannot compete because of the twisties," and said, "I am withdrawing to protect my body and mind."

▲Simone Biles (24), the queen of American gymnastics [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, Biles overcame the pressure and returned to the stage a week later to continue her final challenge. She won the bronze medal behind China's Guan Tianchen (14.633 points) and Tang Xijing (14.233 points).

After the competition, Biles smiled more brightly than ever in an interview with reporters, saying, "I am proud just to have overcome the pressure and stepped onto the stage," and "This bronze medal is much more precious than any medal I have ever worn around my neck."

The friendship shown by men's high jump athletes Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar) and Gianmarco Tamberi (Italy), who chose to share the gold medal instead of competing to the bitter end, also left a lasting impression on the audience.

After a fierce competition until the very end with no clear winner, Barshim asked the official, "Is it allowed to share the gold medal?"

When the official nodded, the two athletes clasped hands tightly and celebrated like children.

Additionally, the performances of teenage athletes in the new skateboarding events were also highlighted as memorable moments of this Olympics.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.