On July 23, 2021, the Olympic ceremonies officially began with fewer dazzling effects than usual: their goal was to make them more somber due to the recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic. But while the pandemic slowed down the games, nothing can stop these athletes, who are among the fiercest to ever compete for their countries. Here are the most impressive women from the 2020 Olympics who we’ve been rooting for from the start.
1. Momiji Niyisha
Niyisha is just 13 years old and the first gold medalist in women’s street skating, which is a new sport at this year’s Olympics. She is also the youngest Japanese Olympic medalist of all time. This young inspiration is breaking boundaries at the same age we were just trying to figure out puberty.
TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 26: Momiji Nishiya of Team Japan competes during the women’s street final on the third day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Urban Sports Park on July 26, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
2. Germany Gymnastics Team
This entire team showed a beautiful moment of solidarity when they stated that they were tired of being sexualized and changed their clothing to long jumpsuits instead of bikini-cut leotards, rejecting the sexualization of women in sports. Finally someone said it!
3.Simone Biles
After scoring so many consecutive victories, Simone Biles hardly needs an introduction at this point. The 24-year-old aims to establish herself as the greatest gymnast of all time, and that’s a realistic goal given her achievements so far. With 5 Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, there is no stopping this queen. He even fell during a routine and still got the highest score. Biles also talks about the importance of mental health in sports, which is often swept under the rug.
4. Naomi Osaka
There has been no shortage of news about Osaka of late, but nothing will take away from the fact that she is a tennis icon. The Japanese and Haitian athlete represents her native country and is one of the biggest faces of the 2020 Olympics. She is ranked No. 2 in the world and it is her first Olympics, but with 4 Grand Slams to her credit, she is not we are too worried about the result.
5. Gwen Berry
Berry made history with her fierce advocacy for racial and social justice when she turned away from the American flag during the national anthem. He explained to CNN that he “will not champion any type of symbol or song that does not represent all the people in the United States.” He also raised his fist on the podium at the 2019 Pan American Games.
