A star is born!
No don't click off the page! This isn't actually a review of the 2018 musical-comedy starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga (hello Google hits...).
No, a star has been born in the pool at these Games in the form of Ariarne Titmus, who became a double Olympic champion after adding 200m gold to her 400m title.
Stats Perform's reporter in Tokyo, Peter Hanson, was again there to witness her moment of glory. For that and more read on...
TITMUS PUTS ON A SHOW
This week I've had two visits to the pool.
Both times I've come away just completely in awe or Ariarne Titmus, who has provided two real highlights of my own journey.
There wasn't the same battle with Katie Ledecky as there was on Monday but it was still pretty special to be in attendance as another battling performance saw her add 200 metre freestyle gold to her world title.
Being from the UK, I obviously want the TeamGB athletes to excel in Tokyo...but I must admit watching Titmus compete has been the best experience so far.
Back at the pool today for…
— Peter Hanson (@PeterHanson89) July 28, 2021
- Titmus v Ledecky II (first was a belter)
- #TeamGB and their quest for gold (and a potential WR) in the men’s 4x200m free #Tokyo2020 #swimming pic.twitter.com/rgmhzdo6mk
Sorry to upset those back home supporting #TeamGB …
— Peter Hanson (@PeterHanson89) July 28, 2021
But my favourite athlete to watch so far has undoubtedly been Ariarne Titmus, now a double Olympic champion.
Ferocity, tenacity, lightning speed. Some experience watching her compete. #Aus #swimming #Tokyo2020
WELCOME TO TOKYOOOOO!
I absolutely love coming down to the aquatics centre, it's the closest thing a normal experience here with swimmers supported by their team-mates in the stands at least mustering some sort of atmosphere.
The only slight issue is, in trying to drum up some atmosphere one of the songs blaring out over the loudspeakers is the stupidly catchy little pop number 'Welcome to Tokyo' by the J Soul Brothers.
Only, they just play the same "WELCOME TO TOKYOOOO, WELCOME TO TOKYOOOO" line over and over again...and now everywhere I go I find myself singing the same line.
It might be time to purchase some earplugs...
WELCOME TO TOKYO, WELCOME TO TOKYO
— Peter Hanson (@PeterHanson89) July 28, 2021
Cannot get this unbelievably catchy ditty out my head - it’s a damn ear worm I tell ya!
Now you must all live with it too. #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/2AM8SLfNXB
KUDOS TO SIMONE
There's no escaping the biggest story to emerge from these Games the past two days.
Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the team event in artistic gymnastics after just one rotation on Tuesday, was followed by the news she will not compete in the individual all-around event on Thursday in order to focus on her mental health.
It is an incredibly brave decision from a superstar who is among the main attractions at these Olympics. It is also one that should be applauded.
SHOOTING AND SERMONS
The beauty of any Olympics is hearing the stories from spme of the Games' lesser-known competitors.
Take Naoko Ishihara for instance who, after to failing to qualify from the women's skeet in the shooting, is to return back to a Shrinto shrine where she is a hereditary priest.
The shrine is 1,300 years old and her father is an 84th generation priest. Ishihara explained how shooting has also been a family affair.
She said: "My father and grandfather were shooters so when I was growing up, I certainly thought I will be a shooter.
"But he doesn’t really say to me, 'Do your best', he doesn’t say that. He is a quiet person. My father is proud. He helped me in a lot of ways, financially and everything.
"As a priest I always pray, so I have a little bit more concentration than the other Japanese people.
"I am confident that something good will happen and that the gods will take care of that. I feel really happy that I could be here, so I think that's partly thanks to the gods' support."