An Eventful Summer for Sports Around the World

Following one of the most uneventful summers in all of sports history, good news has finally arrived for sports fans all around the globe as the summer prepares to bring back some of the biggest rivalries and most exciting events. 

The Olympics, the Euro Cup, Wimbledon, and the NBA Finals return this summer months, as Covid-19 vaccinations become available to countries across the globe.

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While the current Covid virus leaves the sports world in a limbo of uncertainty, events for the summer seem promising, with athletes and fans becoming restless to return to normal life. Although the most valued events and traditions will look completely different with new restrictions and limitations, organizers are determined to keep these events alive despite the unfortunate year that has passed. 

2021 offers these events a second chance after they were rejected by 2020’s pandemic. The Olympics was unfortunately canceled in 2020 due to the global pandemic, upsetting millions of fans and competitors around the world. Tokyo rescheduled the Games for summer 2021 and seems to be persistent in ensuring that they will take place. With the new vaccinations and rapid movements of countries all over to ensure the safety of their citizens, it is very likely that a sufficient percentage of the population could be vaccinated by summer. According to ESPN, it is still unknown if fans will be allowed to attend, but there will still be over 11,000 athletes, as well as thousands of coaches, media members, and supporting staff to ensure the event continues smoothly and is broadcasted.

For safety purposes, the IOC and Tokyo event organizers released a handbook with health guidelines specific to foreign athletes, including providing negative COVID tests across the event, being restricted from going to public places like restaurants, and only attending the games they participate in. Any breaking of these rules will be punished and will send participants to be sent home. 

Facing similar circumstances, one of the most popular European soccer events, The Euro Cup, prepares to kick off on June 11th of this summer.

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The Euro Cup, presenting the top European soccer talents and teams, puts head to head the continent’s national teams and ends on July 11th with one country as the victor. The tournament is extremely competitive as players play with the pride of their countries on their backs. Also postponed from last year, the Euro Cup it seems that it’ll take place this summer if conditions of the virus remain stable.

Most relevant to the United States, the NBA Finals start off early in July. The league is no longer under the bubble system, which took place last finals, but no guarantees can be made to stay out of the bubble since COVID-19 restrictions continue to change each day. Although basketball fans hope some attendance will be allowed for these competitive games, every fan can be glad that the NBA is determined for the finals to be played, no matter the restrictions.

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Although many questions remain to be answered, the future of sports, despite the obstacles faced this year, looks bright, with some of the most anticipated events returning for the 2021 summer.

The Women's National Team celebrating their victory in winning FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019 [Alex Grimm / Getty Images / Mediaite]