The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are now well underway, and you can even catch most of the action online for free. If you've watched any of the Victory Ceremonies where the athletes were awarded their medals, you may have noticed all the unique items used during the presentations, including the volunteer costumes, podiums and medal trays. Here's an in-depth look at these special items.
All the items are made with sustainability in mind – after all, that’s one of the key pillars of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The podiums for the Olympic and Paralympic athletes are all made from donated household plastic waste. A whopping 24.5 tonnes of recycled plastic were collected from all across Japan to create the 98 podium stands. After that, 3D printers were used to turn the plastic into the podiums you see above.
The costumes for the medal tray bearers and athlete escorts are made from environmentally friendly recycled fibres and manufactured using traditional kimono-making techniques. The volunteers can choose between either a dress or trouser-style outfit.
The trays that hold the medals are also made from recyclable materials and are designed to mimic the shape of traditional Japanese fans.
The theme every athlete wants to hear! 🥇🎶
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) June 3, 2021
Listen to the Victory Ceremony music of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 😍
👉 https://t.co/d2hPKNcWGM#Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ZLCwuSZCkt
Lastly, the music that plays during the Victory Ceremonies features contributions from 256 musicians. The tune aims to capture the multitude of emotions that the athletes experience as they stand on the podium awaiting their medals.
Keep up-to-date with our guide to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as well as our Tokyo 2020 Olympics medal tally for Japan.
This story was originally published on June 9 and updated on July 30.
More Olympics in Tokyo
How to enjoy the Tokyo Olympics even when you can’t watch the Games in person
Where to get official Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic merchandise in Tokyo
5 tech and design innovations at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Cauldron is now on display in Ariake
Watch: international athletes are raving about the food at the Olympic Village
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.