2024 Olympic Games: Paris will showcase sport and prove the value of hosting the Games, says Tokyo organizer

But Hashimoto hoped that Paris could showcase the sport at its best this month and make the people of the French capital happy that their city is hosting the event.

“I hope that every single person understands the value and importance of hosting the Olympic Games in their own country,” said Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian.

“If this gives people the opportunity to reflect on what the Olympic and Paralympic Games mean to them, it will also benefit future generations.”

Hashimoto acknowledged that many people in Japan wondered why the country held the event during the pandemic.

The Tokyo Olympics took place under strict anti-virus rules. Spectators were barred from most venues and street parties were cancelled to minimise the risk of infection.

The lucky fans who were allowed in were not allowed to cheer and had to wear face masks at all times.

Looking back, Hashimoto said organizers could have allowed the venues to be filled to 50 or 60 percent capacity.

However, she said the decision to exclude them was the only realistic option at the time.

“We kept arguing that we could host it safely, but no one listened,” she said.

“On the other hand, if we had given in to the pressure and cancelled the Games, I think people would have said, ‘Why didn’t you work harder and think about ways to hold the Olympics?'”

Hashimoto found comfort in the fact that some children were invited to the venues as part of special programs.

She said without hesitation that hosting the Games was “the right decision.”

“I think the Tokyo Games have left their mark in showing that we can respond to different demands and still move the project forward,” she said.

“For better or worse, we hosted the Tokyo Games. There may have been some shortcomings, but I think we set a good example of what is possible despite very difficult conditions.”

The legacy of the Tokyo Olympics has also been marred by a corruption scandal that came to light after the Games. In a series of trials, ten people have so far been found guilty of paying bribes in connection with the event.

Hashimoto was catapulted to the top of the organizing committee less than six months before the start of the Games after previous president Yoshiro Mori was ousted for sexist remarks.

She stressed that the organizers had done a good job under difficult circumstances and that they had managed to host the games “almost without infections.”

However, she admitted that she regrets the missed opportunities due to the pandemic, which has deprived Tokyo of the opportunity to fully shine on the world stage.

“Tokyo received very good reviews even in the preparation phase,” she said.

“The expectations were so high, much higher than in other cities and countries. There were so many things we wanted to do but couldn’t.

“I regret that,” she added.

Hashimoto said Tokyo’s ability to host the Games under difficult circumstances could provide useful lessons for future Olympic organizers.

She is completely convinced that the Paris bosses can organize “perfect” games.

“I believe the Paris Committee has grown significantly because it has been able to see and learn from our unprecedented experience in organizing the event in the midst of the pandemic,” she said.