Despite concerns surrounding the pandemic and the lack of fans, the Tokyo Olympics were highly entertaining and allowed us to witness the top stars in their sports.
Here is our list of the top 10 medal-winning stars of the Games and many of which we could see shining again in Paris in 2023.
1 – Sifan Hasson (Netherlands)
Not many athletes are able to collect three medals at one Olympics, especially on the track, but that was something achieved by Hasson.
The 28-year-old put herself through a gruelling schedule to win gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m and also picked up a bronze medal in the 1,500m.
2 – Adam Peaty (Great Britain)
The man from Uttoxeter became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title, when claiming gold in the 100m breast-stroke – an event in which he is unbeaten in now in seven years.
Peaty then went on to claim a second gold in Tokyo with victory in the mixed 4×100 metre medley relay. At just 26, there could be more success in France in three years’ time.
3 – Sky Brown (Great Britain)
Even at just 13, there was massive pressure on Brown to deliver on the biggest stage having grown up in the limelight as a skateboarding prodigy.
She certainly showed why everyone has been talking her up as a star and a bronze medal in the women’s street competition was an amazing achievement.
Brown has also hinted that she would also like to have a go at surfing at the Olympics – another sport in which she excels!
4 – Athing Mu (USA)
Another teenager to shine on the biggest stage, Mu looks like an athlete that could dominate in women’s athletics for years to come.
The 19-year-old claimed gold in the women’s 800m and in the process, broke a national record that had stood for four years.
Michael Johnson says she is arguably as good at 400m and there could be the chance Mu will go for the double in Paris.
5 – Marcell Jacobs (Italy)
Italy have never had a 100m Olympic champion and Jacobs upset the odds to deliver in the blue riband event in Tokyo.
Many wondered who would take the title following the long reign of Usain Bolt – not many would have predicted the 26-year-old, who moved to Italy as a baby having been born in Texas.
6 – Keely Hodgkinson (Great Britain)
No fewer that three Team GB runners qualified for the final of the women’s 800m and it was Hodgkinson that came away with a medal.
The 19-year-old claimed a silver behind the impressive Athing Mu and this rivalry is certainly one to watch over the coming years.
7 – Tom Daley (Great Britain)
Many sports fans have followed Daley’s progress on TV since he was a teenager and also having to deal with the sad loss of his dad in 2011.
Having won bronze medals in both London and Rio, the 27-year-old diving star made all of his dreams come true with gold, alongside Matty Lee, in the Men’s synchronized 10m platform competition. He then added another bronze in the Men’s 10m platform.
8 – Tatjana Schoenmaker – (South Africa)
It is massive just to win a gold medal, but to break a world record whilst being crowned an Olympic champion is extra special.
Schoenmaker was in tears after she finished first and broke the 200m breaststroke world record that had stood for eight years!
9 – Max Whitlock (Great Britain)
Another Games for the British gymnast to savour, collecting his sixth Olympic medal with another gold for his collection.
Having just missed out on a medal in the team event, when finishing fourth, Whitlock collected gold in the pommel horse to become the most successful gymnast on that apparatus.
10 – Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela)
Having collected silver in Rio, Rojas was determined to go one better this time and she delivered her country’s only gold at the Games.
Having already broken the Olympic record in round one, the 26-year-old sealed the win by smashing the world record (which had stood for 26 years) in the final round – jumping 15.67m.
