Tokyo Olympics-
When it starts, how to watch and what to expect–
After heartwarming, triumphant moments and despite heartbreaking ones, the Tokyo Olympics are coming to a close.
The following written content by Emily Leiker
The 2020 Games, contested in 2021, will go down in history for more than the usual record-breaking performances. The coronavirus pandemic loomed over the Olympics for more than a year, delaying it from its original date and causing a plethora of restrictions on participating athletes. Athletes competed in empty stadiums in the first-ever Olympics without spectators.
Here’s everything you need to know about the last event in Tokyo, the closing ceremony:
When do the Tokyo 2020 Olympics end?
The Games of the XXXII Olympiad conclude on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
When does the closing ceremony begin?
The Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony will occur at 7 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021.
Where will the ceremony be broadcast?
The closing ceremony will be broadcast live on Peacock starting at 7 a.m. ET.
Here’s a list of all of NBC’s closing ceremony coverage:
2 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET: “End of Olympics” Programming (USA)
7 a.m. ET: Live Closing Ceremony coverage (Peacock)
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET: Tokyo Gold (NBC)
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET: Primetime Closing Ceremony (NBC).
What to expect
The last day of the Tokyo Olympics will feature more than just the closing ceremony. Finals for women’s volleyball, men’s water polo and boxing will all see winners on the podium ahead of the Olympic closer.
Like the opening ceremony, little is known about what exactly the closing ceremony will entail except for a theme: “Worlds We Share.” According to a press release, the theme is meant to make athletes and viewers “think about what the future holds” and “expresses the idea that each of us inhabits their own world.”
Many athletes have already traveled back to their home countries, reducing the number of athletes marching even more than at the opening ceremony. Due to COVID-19 protocols, athletes were required to leave Japan within 48 hours of “the completion of their competition or when they are eliminated (whichever is sooner).”
Those athletes who are still around, at least those for Team USA, have different outfits for the closing ceremony than their opening ceremony garb. The U.S. Olympians will wear white jackets with blue collars and hoods designed by Ralph Lauren.
