The opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo was last night. In years past, American Samoa has typically marched toward the beginning of Olympic Games opening ceremonies. However, because the Japanese organizers chose to use the Japanese alphabet when creating the program, Team American Samoa marched into the stadium near the end of the procession; 156 out of 206.
Tokyo is the first games to require a male and female flag bearer and performing the honors for American Samoa were weightlifter Tanumafili Jungblut and swimmer Tilali Scanlan.
The group of athletes, coaches and officials were dressed in red and black elei with the men wearing black ie faitaga and the women in red and black puletasi. Our flag bearers also sported red ulafala.
Due to the COVID-19 countermeasures and restrictions, attendance for the opening ceremony was significantly restricted.
Chef de Mission Kent Yamada reported, “There were no spectators allowed into the Olympic stadium. Only Presidents and Secretary Generals for NOC’s International Federations, one head of state, one sports minister and very few IOC exectives.
American Samoa’s six athletes:
Runner/Track & Field athlete Nathan Crumpton
Swimmer Tilali Scanlan
Swimmer Micah Masei
Weightlifter Tanu Jungblut
Sailor Adrian Hoesh
Sailor Tyler Paige
All the athletes marched with their coaches.
Yamada shared, “There was excitement and a little anxiety for attending the games. However, the Japanese have done a very good job providing sufficient countermeasures to try and keep everyone safe and any concerns have been assuaged. The village is almost at 80% capacity and is buzzing with activity and excitement.”
Micah Masei will compete today in the men’s 100m breaststroke and Tilali Scanlan will also be in the pool for the women’s 100m breaststroke.
Good luck to our Olympians
