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Deep Dive: Tokyo 2021: Countdown during lockdown (2021)

Film Lens

Tokyo 2021: Countdown during lockdown
The documentary focuses on the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It captures the emotional impact on athletes like Thomas Röhler and Marie-Laurence Jungfleisch as they navigate training in lockdown conditions. The film shows the uncertainty surrounding the Games and the adaptations athletes had to make, such as training alone and using home equipment. It emphasizes the significance of the Olympics as the pinnacle of athletic achievement, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. As the situation evolves, the documentary reflects on the social disparities that have emerged, with some athletes having better access to training resources than others. It discusses the hope and determination that remains among athletes as they prepare for the Games, underscoring the importance of the Olympic dream even in the face of unprecedented challenges. The film captures the spirit of competition and the desire for a memorable Olympic experience, despite the ongoing uncertainties.

Why Watch

  • •See how athletes adapted to training during lockdown.
  • •Find out about the social gaps widened by the pandemic.
  • •Meet Thomas Röhler as he prepares for the Olympic Games.

Did You Know

•The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.
•Thomas Röhler trained for several years before the pandemic hit.
•In Spring 2020, top-level sports went into lockdown for about a week.
•Marie-Laurence Jungfleisch trained in the forest due to facility closures.

Perfect For

Olympic sports fansAthletes in trainingDocumentary lovers