The following is relevant:

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/after-tokyo-we-should-bring-the-olympic-charade-to-an-end/ar-AAMvCZv?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

"The empty seats in the stadiums of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are a blessing in disguise, for the sporting spectacle, no matter how good, will not be able to dispel the fact that this super-spreader event is being held in the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis and against the wishes of the vast majority of the Japanese public. In so doing, the International Olympic Committee – which earnestly believes itself to be the leader of a global social movement – has been revealed as no more than the travelling circus of the global sports industry, ready to make sure the broadcasters get what they need come what may."

I'm a bit more positive about these Olympics.
Both the IOC and the Japanese government
have developed very strict protocols for the Games.
This was obvious from the Opening Ceremony - and indeed
this could result in a "safe and secure" event as the
Japanese government has promised.

According to the web - athletes will be segregated from
the general population and all must comply with strict
rules on testing, transport, and contact with other people
to keep the Olympics safe.

Athletes will live in a "bubble"at the Olympic Village and
will be rushed out of the country within 2 days of their
event.

The IOC is banning overseas fans from the Games and Japanese
fans may also be kept away from what organizers promised will
be a sanitized "bubble" to minimize contagion risk.

If all this takes place the Tokyo Olympics could not only
be a great success for the Japanese government and the
IOC - but also for the global community yearning for an
optimistic post COVID future. We can only hope.

The Japanese people have long shown themselves to be
brilliant and meticulous organizers. The Tokyo Olympics
could well turn out to be a great success. I watched our
Gold Medal winner speaking on TV - she seemed to be happy
to be there. As did the other athletes interviewed.

Dear Foxy,

You wrote:

"According to the web - athletes will be segregated from
the general population and all must comply with strict
rules on testing, transport, and contact with other people
to keep the Olympics safe.

Athletes will live in a "bubble"at the Olympic Village and
will be rushed out of the country within 2 days of their
event."

One problem with the Olympics is that the athletes are in a bubble and do not have contact with the general population. If I went to Japan I would want to have contact with Japanese. If athletes are going to be in a bubble separate from the country they are visiting why not just record their performances on video in their home country and save the trouble and expense of travel?

Dear David F.,

That would be like taking a shower with your
raincoat on. Not the same thing.
The Olympics is about the rivalry and competition
amongst the world's top athletes. A video just wouldn't
crack it. Besides Japan promised the Games as "safe and
secure" event - and we can only congratulate them for
doing their best to keep it so.

cont'd ...

Dear David F.,

Let's also not forget that the Japanese are participating
in these Games and all the athletes will be competing
against them and travel from the village to various
sporting venues will also allow them to mix and see the Japanese
environment. They will mix with other cultures as well.
Which is better than staying in their home country under
lockdown conditions.

Davidf: I have been exercising my imagination but I can't quite work out how athletes could compete in some sports by video: relay swimming or running? Tennis? Beach volleyball? And, especially, synchronised swimming.

I loved the opening ceremony, and I've watched more events that I would otherwise have done, not being a great sport follower. It is cheering to see some positive, communal activity happening, and the athletes at least getting a chance to live their dreams. I don't begrudge them that - it's an optimist hope that things will imrove