Close to 500 Australian athletes, including 297 debutants, are making their way to Japan to compete in the biggest competition of their lives – the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
Incredibly, eight of those inspirational Aussies competing in Tokyo have a special local connection either through birth, residency, school, training base or club.
From July 23 to August 8, we encourage you to gather up your green and gold, and cheer on our local athletes to glory.
Two-time Olympic medallist and Leonay resident Jessica Fox is our biggest shot at gold, while newcomers Madison Ashby (Rugby Sevens) and Josh Green (Basketball) are also a strong chance of medalling.
Fans can look forward to the country’s biggest-ever broadcast and digital event. For the first time in Australian free-to-air television history, there will be 45 dedicated Olympic Games channels across Seven and 7plus – all live, free and in HD.
The Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics will screen live next Friday.
While the upcoming Games may look a little different to years’ past due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the excitement and spirit of the Olympics will be on full display more than ever before.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.