The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will almost be the most exciting ever in terms of athletic achievement, technology, and the quality of the venues. Only one question remains: will it also be Israel's most successful Olympics?
The Japanese are prepared for the events. But what about surprises? Concerns about another unusually hot summer mean that during the Olympics, Japan might "move" to another time zone and push the clock ahead by an hour to allow athletes to compete in more comfortable temperatures.
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The start of the marathon has already been moved up to 6 a.m. Tokyo time, and worries about warm water temperatures at the open swim events make it likely that the swimmers will be diving in at night. The Japanese don't believe in Olympic villages for journalists and send westerners to stay at local hotels.
This will also be the last "classic" Olympics. Climbing, breakdancing, and skateboarding are all on the verge of entering the Olympic roster, pushing off long-standing but less popular sports.
Israel does not intend to be left behind. Our climbing team is counting on major achievements at the Paris 2024 games. The hundreds of thousands of fans of the "Ninja Israel" physical challenge should produce at least one serious medal contender.
The Israeli delegation to Tokyo will be arriving with sky-high expectations. Israel is expecting to at least match the two medals in judo from Rio de Janeiro. If we do, it will be historic. For that to happen, we'll need to medal in a sport we never have, like gymnastics. This brings us to rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram, who if she wins a medal would be considered one of the greatest Israeli athletes of all time. Ashram's first test will take place in September in Baku, Azerbaijan. If she meets the criteria for the World Championships, even the greatest skeptics would find it hard to hide their optimism about Tokyo.
After many years in the cold for female Israeli Olympians, all of a sudden they are taking center stage. Yes, we're talking about Lonah Chemtai-Salpeter. Even if a medal seems a distant prospect, imagine her finishing in the top 10. That would be equal to a medal in one of the minor sports.
In swimming, we have Anastasia Gorbenko, who will be only 17 at the Tokyo Games. It won't be easy for her to win a medal, but if she can get Israel to the finals, our country will have a star in the second-most important Olympic sport. Right now, Israel's list of female athletes in more impressive than the men.
