The First Olympics on Television (it wasn’t in the U.S.)

Another Olympiad is upon us — this time from Tokyo, after a year’s delay due to the Covid pandemic. It could very well be the most bizarre Olympic Games yet, as athletes from all over the world will partake in opening and closing ceremonies, and compete for medals and world records in front of empty stadiums, swimming halls, and other venues. Expect to see no crowds, no cheering, just mostly empty seats and virtual silence (except for VIPs, coaches, staff, and a throng of journalists). Yet, it will all be televised, of course.