While the world tuned in to Tokyo 2020 to witness feats of athleticism and national pride, an equally compelling story unfolded off the field of competition. Olympic athletes, long admired for their physical excellence and dedication, quietly revealed their skills in an entirely different arena—art. For the first time in recent history, the world’s most elite sportspeople were celebrated not only for their performance but also for their ability to create.
The convergence of art and sport was not just symbolic—it was emotional, personal, and deeply resonant. At Tokyo 2020, a group of athletes turned to sketchbooks, paintbrushes, cameras, and clay, showcasing artistic talents shaped by the same discipline and passion that fueled their Olympic dreams. This creative phenomenon didn’t just capture imaginations—it reminded the world that the human spirit thrives in both competition and expression.
Historical Roots of Art in the Olympics
The integration of art within the Olympic Games is not a new idea. The founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, envisioned a competition that honored both physical and artistic excellence. Between 1912 and 1948, the Olympics included official contests in architecture, literature, painting, sculpture, and music. Medals were awarded in these categories alongside athletic events, emphasizing the idea that athletes could also be artists and that the Games should celebrate the full range of human achievement.
However, by the mid-20th century, these cultural events were discontinued, largely due to debates about professionalism and judging. What remained was the Cultural Olympiad—an exhibition format designed to accompany the Games without formal competition. Over time, these events became background notes to the larger spectacle of athletic performance. But in Tokyo 2020, something shifted.
For many athletes competing during a pandemic, art was not an accessory to the Olympics—it became an essential part of their identity and recovery. The tradition of creativity in the Olympic spirit was quietly revived, this time not through medals, but through meaning.
Artistic Expression During the Pandemic
The build-up to Tokyo 2020 was marked by unprecedented uncertainty. The outbreak of COVID-19 forced the postponement of the Games by a full year. Training facilities closed, schedules were disrupted, and athletes were isolated from coaches, teams, and families. The pandemic introduced psychological challenges that no amount of physical training could mitigate.
It was in this silence, this global pause, that many athletes turned inward. For some, it was the first time in years they had the time and space to explore long-dormant creative interests. For others, the act of making art became a therapeutic outlet—a way to process fear, frustration, and longing.
Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, whose remarkable comeback from leukemia became one of the most moving narratives of Tokyo 2020, found solace in painting. Her watercolor works, often depicting natural landscapes and soft textures, served as reflections of her mental recovery as much as her physical one. The brush became an extension of her resilience, allowing her to depict hope, fragility, and transformation.
Similarly, German diver Patrick Hausding took up photography during training isolation. His images, mostly candid shots of empty training facilities, quiet streets, and sunrises seen through rain-speckled windows, told a story of solitude and contemplation. For Hausding, photography was a way to narrate his Olympic journey in tones quieter than cheers and applause.
Creativity Across Disciplines
The variety of artistic expression among athletes in Tokyo 2020 was as diverse as the sports they represented. Skateboarders, known for blending sport with street culture, were particularly active in sharing visual art inspired by their urban environments. Japan’s Yuto Horigome, the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in skateboarding, collaborated with local graffiti artists to create digital murals symbolizing movement and freedom. His designs reflected both the rebellious spirit of the sport and the cultural pride of hosting the Games in his home country.
Surfers, another new addition to the Olympic program, drew heavily on themes of rhythm, water, and flow in their work. Brazil’s Italo Ferreira, who rose from humble beginnings to win gold, posted a series of abstract paintings using recycled materials from surf gear. His art not only honored the ocean that shaped his life but also drew attention to environmental issues affecting coastlines around the world.
Even traditional disciplines saw artistic energy. Canadian figure skater Keegan Messing created intricate paper cutouts based on the symmetry of figure skating patterns. He described the act as a “meditation on movement,” blending the geometry of ice performance with the quiet focus of handicraft.
Cultural Narratives Through Art
One of the most powerful aspects of the artistic movement at Tokyo 2020 was how athletes used their work to tell stories rooted in heritage and identity. The art became more than an act of self-expression—it became a tool of cultural narration and pride.
Cheung Ka Long, Hong Kong’s first Olympic fencing gold medalist, created a visual series that combined ink sketches of fencing stances with references to Chinese martial arts and historical architecture. Through this work, Cheung honored both his personal training journey and the traditions that shaped it. The juxtaposition of modern sport with ancient philosophy reflected a deep respect for lineage, heritage, and adaptability.
Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah, one of the fastest women in Olympic history, collaborated with a local Jamaican visual artist to create paintings that fused sprinting motion with elements of traditional dance. The pieces were rich in rhythm, featuring layered colors and silhouettes that evoked both speed and joy. Thompson-Herah explained that the project helped her reconnect with her Caribbean roots and celebrate the women in her community who inspired her growing up.
These works were more than personal. They became contributions to the collective memory of the Games, representing not just individual achievement, but shared cultural legacy.
Art as Recovery and Reconnection
For many athletes, the return to creativity coincided with a return to self. In the highly structured and often high-pressure world of elite sports, identity can be consumed by performance. Training schedules, rankings, media scrutiny, and national expectations often leave little room for personal exploration. Art changed that.
By creating, athletes reclaimed narratives that had long been shaped by others. Instead of being known only by their stats or placements, they began to be seen—and to see themselves—as whole people. This reclamation was not dramatic or loud. It was subtle, gradual, and deeply felt.
Australian diver Melissa Wu, competing in her fourth Olympics, shared charcoal drawings of her hometown and family. For her, the process was a grounding one—a way to reconnect with her roots after years of global travel and public attention. Her pieces, though simple in style, held emotional depth. They spoke of homesickness, perseverance, and belonging.
Norwegian handball player Nora Mørk turned to songwriting, recording acoustic ballads during recovery from a knee injury. Her lyrics, centered around themes of struggle, hope, and self-worth, resonated with listeners across languages. Though she did not release a formal album, snippets of her performances circulated widely on social media, earning admiration for their honesty and warmth.
Redefining the Athlete's Image
The artistic contributions at Tokyo 2020 challenged long-held stereotypes about athletes. In a world where sportspeople are often portrayed as physically dominant but emotionally guarded, these acts of creativity offered a fuller portrait. Athletes were no longer just competitors. They were thinkers, feelers, and storytellers.
This shift in perception also influenced how younger athletes view their development. More than ever before, aspiring Olympians are encouraged to embrace multidimensional identities. Coaches and sports organizations have begun to recognize the mental health benefits of integrating creativity into training regimens. The notion that art and sport are incompatible has steadily eroded.
For fans, the revelations were equally impactful. Social media allowed followers to experience the emotional complexity of Olympic journeys in ways that went beyond performance. Artworks, sketches, videos, and songs offered windows into the soul of the Games—vulnerable, expressive, and deeply human.
Tokyo 2020 offered more than just medals and records. It rekindled an old idea: that athletic excellence and artistic expression can coexist and even enhance one another. The athletes who shared their creative work during the Games did more than showcase talent—they reshaped how the Olympic experience is understood.
As the global community prepares for future Games, including Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028, the momentum around athlete-driven creativity shows no signs of slowing. With increased support from national Olympic committees and cultural institutions, there is real potential to formalize art as a recognized dimension of the Olympic journey.
In a world increasingly focused on versatility and emotional authenticity, these artist-athletes may just redefine what it means to be an Olympian. Not just strong and fast, but expressive, thoughtful, and human in the fullest sense.
The Psychological Landscape of Elite Sport
The world of elite sport is shaped by rigorous training, relentless pursuit of goals, and constant pressure to perform. While the physical preparation for Olympic competition is widely recognized, the mental and emotional dimensions are often overlooked. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, a shift occurred. Athletes began openly sharing not just their performances, but their mental journeys. For many, art became an essential companion on that path.
Creativity offered a refuge from the demands of sport. In moments of doubt, frustration, or exhaustion, painting, drawing, or composing music provided a kind of freedom that competition could not. This wasn’t about results or scores—it was about release. Artistic expression allowed athletes to explore their inner landscapes without judgment, reconnect with their sense of self, and regain a feeling of agency during uncertain times.
Art as a Tool for Mental Resilience
Mental health was one of the most widely discussed themes at the Tokyo Games. With heightened media attention and the lingering stress of a global pandemic, many athletes reached a breaking point. Gymnast Simone Biles made headlines for prioritizing her mental well-being over competition, a decision that resonated around the world.
In quieter moments, other athletes turned to art to process their experiences. Rowers, swimmers, wrestlers, and cyclists documented their emotions through creative mediums. For some, this began as casual doodling or journaling during quarantine and evolved into more serious artistic practices.
Lithuanian rower Mindaugas Griškonis shared abstract paintings created in isolation while training in a remote location. The colors were stark, the brushstrokes urgent. He described the work as a reflection of internal conflict—the tension between progress and pressure, ambition and fatigue. His art became a daily ritual, a space where he could externalize thoughts that might otherwise stay buried.
Such stories are increasingly supported by sports psychologists, who emphasize the value of nonverbal expression. The act of creating can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase emotional awareness. For Olympians, who are often required to suppress vulnerability in the name of focus, these benefits are profound.
Vulnerability as Strength
There is a growing recognition that vulnerability does not weaken an athlete’s image—it strengthens it. The willingness to express emotional depth through art has helped reframe what strength looks like in modern sport. Rather than presenting a polished, invincible persona, many athletes now embrace authenticity.
American gymnast Jordan Chiles began sharing digital illustrations she created on a tablet while recovering from a minor injury. Her drawings featured female figures in athletic poses surrounded by soft, abstract shapes. The color palettes were muted, the lines gentle. She described them as a tribute to balance—the ability to hold power and softness at once.
Through her artwork, Chiles communicated a new version of athletic identity. It was not only about power and success but also grace, introspection, and care. Her openness inspired a wave of young fans to see themselves reflected in both her performances and her art.
Canadian runner Gabriela DeBues-Stafford created hand-drawn comic strips based on the highs and lows of Olympic preparation. The illustrations, often humorous, captured moments of self-doubt, awkward training sessions, and quiet triumphs. By turning her experience into visual storytelling, she made space for emotional honesty in a world that often demands perfection.
Collaborations Across Borders and Disciplines
The artistic momentum at Tokyo 2020 didn’t stay confined within individual efforts. It sparked unexpected collaborations that crossed national and disciplinary boundaries. Despite pandemic-related restrictions, athletes connected online to co-create art that reflected shared experiences.
One standout collaboration came from French climber Mickaël Mawem and Japanese calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa. Though separated by language and discipline, they worked together virtually to produce a mural titled “Flow and Force.” Mawem sent video footage of his climbing movements, and Kanazawa used those to inspire sweeping calligraphy strokes on large paper panels. The resulting work blended athletic motion with traditional Japanese artistry, creating a powerful symbol of cultural dialogue.
In another example, Dutch field hockey player Eva de Goede partnered with South Korean illustrator Minji Kim to develop a graphic novel depicting life inside the Olympic Village. The story followed a fictional young athlete navigating challenges both on and off the field. Though rooted in imagination, it was informed by their real experiences and shared through digital platforms to reach global audiences.
These projects revealed that creativity has no borders. Even when physical contact was limited, art became a way to communicate across cultures, unite stories, and express solidarity.
Creativity as Legacy
For many athletes, the decision to create art during the Olympics was not just a temporary escape. It marked the beginning of something deeper—an ongoing journey that extended beyond the Games. Several competitors have since launched art-based initiatives, opened galleries, or continued their education in creative fields.
British cyclist Elinor Barker, for example, announced a new project after the Games that combined performance analytics with visual storytelling. Using data collected from her cycling races—such as heart rate, pedal speed, and breathing rhythm—she produced digital artwork resembling abstract landscapes. The pieces, though grounded in sports science, were emotionally charged and visually striking.
Barker’s work challenged the assumption that data and emotion must exist separately. Instead, she proved that metrics could be translated into beauty. Her audience grew to include not only cycling fans but also those interested in design, mathematics, and contemporary art.
Meanwhile, Greek pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis launched a series of mixed-media installations exploring themes of flight and fear. His work drew from his performance anxiety and desire to escape internal limitations. Using feathers, wire, and light, he created immersive installations that toured galleries across Athens and Thessaloniki.
Such initiatives demonstrate that for many athlete-artists, creativity is not just an auxiliary skill—it is part of their legacy. It shapes how they process their careers, how they share their stories, and how they influence the next generation.
Community Engagement Through Art
The artistic work shared at Tokyo 2020 also created powerful moments of community connection. Fans responded with their creations—portraits, poems, animations, and remixes—forming a dynamic feedback loop between athlete and audience. What began as a private expression became a public dialogue.
Nigerian wrestler Odunayo Adekuoroye used her art as a way to give back. She auctioned off several of her pencil sketches, donating the proceeds to fund education for girls in rural Nigeria. The drawings, often depicting young female athletes in motion, reflected her mission to inspire and uplift. Her social media accounts became platforms for both creativity and advocacy, drawing attention to issues of gender equity in sport and education.
Australian basketball player Patty Mills created a traveling art exhibit called “Voices on the Court,” which included work by Indigenous artists as well as pieces contributed by fellow Olympians. The exhibit toured regional communities across Australia, combining sport with storytelling and heritage preservation.
These actions redefined what it means to be an Olympic role model. The emphasis shifted from winning medals to making an impact, using the visibility of the Games to elevate voices, spark conversation, and build meaningful change.
A Different Kind of Performance
There’s a quiet parallel between performance in sport and performance in art. Both require preparation, risk, and the courage to expose one’s inner world. Both can inspire audiences, challenge conventions, and leave lasting impressions. At Tokyo 2020, this parallel became a reality.
As athletes stepped onto courts and fields, many were also stepping into studios and sketchpads. They balanced schedules filled with drills and interviews with moments of solitude and introspection. Their art was not a distraction from competition—it was a companion to it.
In revealing their artistic selves, these Olympians offered a new kind of performance. One measured not in time or distance, but in depth and expression. And in doing so, they expanded the idea of what it means to be great, not just as athletes, but as people.
The wave of artistic expression that emerged at Tokyo 2020 was not accidental. It was a response to a unique moment in history—a time of disruption, vulnerability, and rediscovery. But its impact is likely to endure long after the closing ceremony.
As Paris 2024 approaches, there are growing calls to formalize artistic contributions within Olympic programming. Cultural institutions, educational partners, and athletic organizations are beginning to explore ways to support the creative lives of athletes more actively.
Workshops, residencies, exhibitions, and digital platforms are all being considered as vehicles to promote this integration. More importantly, athletes themselves are leading the conversation, demanding space for the full range of their identities.
The future of the Olympics may no longer be defined solely by physical records. It may also be shaped by the stories athletes choose to tell, through color, movement, texture, and sound.
How Movement Inspires Medium
In sport, every motion tells a story. From the arched leap of a gymnast to the rhythmic pull of a rower, there is an intrinsic choreography to athletic performance. At Tokyo 2020, many athletes used this physical language as inspiration for their visual creations. Movement was not just something they performed; it became the basis for how they expressed themselves in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media.
For many, artistic expression mirrored the discipline of training. Repetition, patience, form, and flow are as essential to visual art as they are to sport. The process of translating a physical act into a visual medium allowed athletes to engage with their sport from a new perspective—one that emphasized sensation over competition, experience over outcome.
Greek rhythmic gymnast Eleni Kelaiditi created a striking series of minimalist ink drawings inspired by her routines. Each line mirrored the flow of ribbon and the curvature of her body in motion. The drawings were not anatomically precise; instead, they captured rhythm and intention, representing sport as a living language of line and energy.
Materials That Echo Identity
Athletes’ choice of materials often reflected their environments and values. In Tokyo 2020, several athletes deliberately used sustainable or symbolic mediums, tying their creative work to themes of identity, nature, and culture.
Brazilian skateboarder Rayssa Leal, who won silver at just 13 years old, collaborated with a local artist in São Paulo to create mixed-media pieces using scraps from old skateboards, city maps, and acrylic paint. Her work depicted the intersections of youth, movement, and urban resilience. For her, each material carried meaning—concrete textures for city grit, broken boards for perseverance, vibrant colors for optimism.
Japanese marathon runner Suguru Osako, who had trained for years between Japan and the United States, crafted a set of abstract paintings using sumi ink and coffee. The black tones of the ink represented tradition, while the browns of coffee, a ritual from his overseas experiences, symbolized transition and adaptation. His artworks carried themes of personal migration, cultural intersection, and the merging of two homes.
Such material choices added depth to the art, embedding within it the athlete’s biography and philosophy.
Portraits of Purpose
Portraiture emerged as a major trend among artist-athletes at Tokyo 2020. Many used drawing and painting to capture their teammates, coaches, or even competitors, highlighting moments of solidarity, admiration, and emotional connection.
South Korean archer An San, who won three gold medals, created a sketchbook filled with ink and pencil portraits of her fellow athletes during downtime in the Olympic Village. Her style was unpolished, almost documentary, but the expressions were intimate. A fencer tying a shoelace. A weightlifter napping. A teammate e laughing at breakfast. These portraits told the quiet stories that cameras never catch.
Hungarian swimmer Kristóf Milák painted detailed watercolors of his training partners underwater, capturing the distortions of light, the pressure of movement, and the stillness beneath the surface. His compositions highlighted how sport alters perception, not just physically but emotionally. He described the water as a metaphor for the subconscious, a place where fears and ambitions meet in silence.
These portraits served a dual purpose: preserving memories and expressing gratitude. Through them, athletes recognized those who shaped their journeys, offering appreciation through craft rather than speech.
The Olympic Village as Canvas
During the Games, the Olympic Village became more than just a residential space—it evolved into a living canvas for creativity. Although strict COVID-19 protocols limited interactions, athletes found subtle ways to share their art and turn their surroundings into something reflective of collective experience.
Hallways and stairwells began displaying impromptu gallery walls, filled with drawings, poems, messages of support, and symbolic decorations. These were not part of any official program; they emerged organically, driven by the desire for connection.
Polish volleyball player Wilfredo León posted several large-scale charcoal drawings of athletes in motion in the common lounge area. The drawings soon became conversation pieces, with athletes from various countries signing their names or adding notes. What began as a personal exercise in expression evolved into a participatory art piece—an emblem of unity in a time of distance.
Meanwhile, groups of athletes collaborated to create a mural on one of the outer Village walls. Using donated paint and brushes, they depicted symbols from different sports and countries, alongside messages of peace and perseverance in multiple languages. Though it began modestly, the mural soon drew media attention and was documented as one of the most heartfelt expressions of Olympic camaraderie in 2020.
From Practice to Performance: Public Sharing of Art
While much of the athlete-generated art was personal and private, several Olympians chose to bring their work to the public. Through social media, digital galleries, and even international press, they transformed artistic practice into performance, mirroring their journeys on the field of play.
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka curated a virtual exhibit during the Games that featured art submitted by both athletes and fans. The platform included digital paintings, spoken word poetry, photography, and animations centered around themes of identity, healing, and empowerment. By offering a digital stage for voices rarely heard in sports media, the exhibit emphasized inclusion and mental wellness.
German cyclist Maximilian Schachmann launched a limited-edition photography book titled “Stillness and Speed,” capturing quiet moments of reflection during training and competition. His photos juxtaposed the blur of racing with calm interludes—cafés, winding roads, cloudy skies. The book sold out quickly, with proceeds going toward youth mental health initiatives in Berlin.
These public efforts not only expanded access to athlete art—they also redefined how athletes engage with audiences, revealing an appetite for narratives that go beyond performance and into personal meaning.
Art for Advocacy and Activism
Many athletes used Tokyo 2020 as a moment to advocate for causes through art. The creative medium gave them tools to express complex political and social concerns without confrontation, yet with undeniable clarity.
American sprinter Noah Lyles, known for his expressive personality, created a series of digital collages advocating for racial justice and youth education. His pieces combined imagery from civil rights history, personal photography, and urban iconography. Shared widely across his platforms, the works sparked dialogue not just about race in America, but about identity in global sport.
Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego painted a mural in Nairobi post-Games that celebrated African excellence in sport. Depicting athletes, community workers, and educators alongside symbols of heritage, the mural was a declaration of pride and ambition. It also encouraged youth participation in both sport and the arts, positioning creativity as a tool for empowerment.
These acts of artistic activism added layers to the Olympic message. They moved beyond slogans to present lived realities and hopes, told not through speeches but through brushstrokes and rhythm.
Artistic Mentorship and Education
The creative energy sparked by Tokyo 2020 inspired several athletes to think about mentorship and legacy. Many who explored or rediscovered their creative sides began setting up programs to support young athletes in similar endeavors.
Finnish sailor Tuula Tenkanen started an initiative called “Winds of Expression,” which introduces sailing students to art as part of their training camps. Combining sketching with sailing logs, the project encourages athletes to reflect visually on their relationship with the sea, the weather, and teamwork.
American wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock, after winning gold, began hosting virtual workshops where she guided young athletes through drawing exercises centered around storytelling. The sessions emphasized that success is not just measured in medals but in the ability to know and share your story.
Such mentorship efforts reinforce the idea that athletic and artistic growth are not mutually exclusive. When paired together, they offer a more sustainable and humane model for development—one where emotion and excellence coexist.
Reimagining the Athlete's Role
By embracing artistic expression at Tokyo 2020, athletes began reshaping the cultural role they occupy. Rather than being seen as mere entertainers or national symbols, they asserted their place as full individuals, capable of insight, imagination, and transformation.
Their art invited viewers into a fuller understanding of the Olympic journey. It is not simply about glory or defeat, but about emotion, context, identity, and impact. Art gave athletes a new vocabulary—one that spoke not in times and scores, but in shapes, tones, and stories.
This reimagining challenges sports media, fans, and institutions to consider how athletes are supported and celebrated. It calls for holistic recognition, where well-being and self-expression are as valued as winning.
Toward a More Integrated Future
The creative awakening at Tokyo 2020 laid a foundation for future integration between art and sport. Already, Olympic committees and cultural organizations are exploring how to deepen these ties, not as side projects, but as central features of the Games.
Work is underway to ensure athlete art has a dedicated space at Paris 2024. Exhibitions, workshops, and artist-in-residence programs are being discussed in collaboration with athletes themselves. These efforts are not just symbolic—they represent a commitment to honoring the full dimension of those who compete.
What began in quiet rooms, with sketchpads and brushes during a time of global pause, now stands as a movement. Athlete-artists are not rare exceptions—they are rising voices, reshaping the narrative of what it means to be strong, skilled, and whole.
Where Sport and Art Continue to Intertwine
As the world turned its attention from the Tokyo 2020 Games to what comes next, something unexpected lingered in the collective memory. Beyond the medals, records, and memorable moments on the field, there was a quieter, lasting impression—the creative expression of athletes, who had found new ways to tell their stories through art. This artistic outpouring didn’t end when the Olympic flame was extinguished. It evolved, expanded, and continues to shape the personal and public lives of many athlete-artists.
Tokyo 2020 may have been a unique edition of the Games, shaped by pandemic restrictions and emotional complexity, but it became fertile ground for a cultural shift. The line between athlete and artist blurred in profound ways, revealing how sport is not just a competition but a lived and deeply felt experience. Art became the language through which many athletes translated the unseen: their doubts, their victories, their transformations.
Athletes as Cultural Contributors
Traditionally, athletes have been seen primarily as physical performers. Their value has often been measured by what they can achieve in arenas, stadiums, pools, or courts. However, the creative wave at Tokyo 2020 challenged this limited perspective. Athletes began to be recognized as cultural contributors—as individuals whose lived experiences add dimension to broader conversations about identity, resilience, and human potential.
Norwegian rower Kjetil Borch, after finishing his final race in Tokyo, announced he would take time away from competition to focus on a large-scale sculpture project inspired by the ocean and the sensation of effort. His work now appears in several public spaces in Oslo, where sport and civic life meet.
Similarly, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain partnered with a group of rural artisans to create a series of textile works based on traditional Assamese motifs blended with imagery from her training and Olympic journey. The pieces were later exhibited in Delhi and shared widely online, celebrating regional identity through a personal and artistic lens.
These efforts demonstrate that athletes are not simply ambassadors of sport. They are part of the cultural engine of their countries and communities. By creating and sharing art, they offer insights that statistics and highlights cannot convey.
How Fans Engage With Athlete Art
The global response to athlete art following Tokyo 2020 has also been notable. Fans who once followed athletes for their performances began engaging with them through a more human and imaginative lens. Social media has become a key platform for this interaction. Followers don’t just like a race photo—they comment on a charcoal sketch, respond to a poem, or repost a dance sequence recorded in a hotel room.
This kind of engagement has helped shift the tone of fan-athlete relationships. It invites empathy and appreciation rather than idolization or critique. When an athlete shares a painting made in the aftermath of a loss, it opens a dialogue about vulnerability and recovery. When they write a song about homesickness or draw a comic about Olympic pressure, it creates space for understanding.
Fan art, in response, has also flourished. Portraits, animations, handcrafted items, and tribute videos now reflect not just admiration but resonance. Athletes are no longer distant figures to be cheered or judged—they become creative companions on a shared emotional journey.
Institutional Response and Support
While much of the artistic expression seen during Tokyo 2020 was initiated by athletes themselves, institutions are beginning to catch on. National Olympic committees, sports federations, and arts councils are now exploring how to provide more structured support for creative projects led by athletes.
In Australia, the Olympic Committee announced a pilot program pairing athletes with mentors in the visual and performing arts. The aim is to provide tools, platforms, and guidance for athletes who wish to explore creativity as part of their personal development. The initiative includes funding for projects, exhibition space, and training in storytelling and artistic technique.
In France, the Paris 2024 organizing committee has already begun commissioning athlete-created artwork to be displayed in and around Olympic venues. These efforts are not limited to decoration—they are meant to reflect the emotional and social narratives that accompany athletic preparation and performance.
In Japan, several post-Tokyo initiatives have focused on preserving the art that emerged during the Games. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched a digital archive showcasing the work of athlete-artists, alongside traditional cultural displays and Olympic history. The archive aims to be both a record and an inspiration.
Such institutional backing not only validates the creative identities of athletes but also ensures that this intersection of art and sport continues to grow and evolve.
Art as Post-Career Pathway
For many athletes, artistic practice has become more than a side interest—it has emerged as a potential pathway beyond competition. Retirement from elite sport can bring significant psychological and emotional challenges. The loss of routine, purpose, and public identity can be destabilizing. Artistic expression offers a meaningful way to navigate this transition.
New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, after retiring, began exploring oil painting as a form of self-reflection and community connection. Her work, which often deals with themes of gender, strength, and visibility, has been featured in several exhibitions across the Pacific. Through art, she continues to participate in public dialogue, shaping narratives around inclusion and identity.
American diver Steele Johnson, who has openly discussed his struggles with injury and mental health, began working in video production and storytelling. His short films about resilience, doubt, and personal growth have gained traction on digital platforms, offering a raw and compelling continuation of his Olympic journey.
Art allows retired athletes to remain visible, impactful, and expressive on their terms. It offers continuity between the structured world of sport and the open-ended possibilities of civilian life.
Educational Integration and Youth Programs
One of the most significant opportunities arising from the athlete-art movement is its integration into youth development. Programs that merge sport and creativity are being designed to help young athletes see themselves as more than performers. They are encouraged to reflect, express, and connect through both movement and art.
In Canada, a series of camps for young athletes now includes workshops in photography, journaling, and visual arts alongside physical training. These camps have received strong feedback, with many participants reporting increased confidence, emotional awareness, and team cohesion.
In Brazil, a nonprofit initiative led by former Olympic sprinters pairs sport training with mural painting in underserved neighborhoods. The athletes mentor children both on the track and in artistic expression. The murals they create together often reflect local stories, dreams, and challenges.
These educational efforts help redefine what it means to be a successful athlete. It’s not just about performance—it’s about being thoughtful, expressive, and resilient.
The Legacy of Tokyo 2020
Looking back, Tokyo 2020 may be remembered as one of the most emotionally complex editions of the Olympics. The pandemic delayed the event, reshaped its logistics, and tested the emotional limits of every athlete who competed. But out of that pressure came a remarkable wave of creativity and expression.
Athlete-artists turned inward, drew upon their emotional truths, and emerged with visual, musical, written, and performative works that revealed new sides of their identities. They reminded the world that even at the highest levels of sport, there is space for softness, vulnerability, and imagination.
The legacy of these efforts is already visible—not only in galleries or digital platforms, but in how athletes are beginning to talk about themselves, and how fans are learning to listen. The conversation around sport has grown more humane, more layered, and more inclusive.
As the world moves toward Paris 2024 and future Games, the relationship between sport and art is likely to deepen. Athlete-driven storytelling will play a more central role in Olympic culture. Creative expression will not be seen as separate from performance, but as an integral part of how athletes train, cope, connect, and inspire.
Athletes will continue to explore their dual identities as competitors and creators. Some will paint, others will write or compose or choreograph. Many will mentor, lead, and build platforms for others. They will continue to show that art is not an escape from sport, but an extension of its most human dimensions.
For audiences, this means more access to the emotional realities behind the medals. For young athletes, it means permission to explore their full selves. For institutions, it means the challenge and opportunity of supporting a more holistic vision of excellence.
Tokyo 2020 was a turning point. It reminded the world that while sport celebrates the body, art reveals the soul. Together, they tell the complete story of what it means to strive, to struggle, and to be seen.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo 2020, though shaped by unprecedented global circumstances, became a powerful backdrop for one of the most quietly transformative stories in recent Olympic history—the emergence of athletes as artists. This shift was not a coordinated campaign or curated movement. It was organic, personal, and deeply human. Amid isolation, pressure, and uncertainty, many athletes turned inward and discovered or rediscovered a creative voice that complemented their physical discipline.
What began with sketches, dances, poems, and sculptures soon became something greater—a redefinition of what it means to be an Olympian. No longer confined to record-breaking and national representation, athletes shared their stories through art that spoke to vulnerability, identity, memory, and resilience. Through this work, they connected not just with fans but with one another and with parts of themselves often overlooked in competitive environments.
Their creative expressions reminded the world that the Olympic journey is not solely about physical excellence. It is also about emotional growth, cultural reflection, and personal meaning. Art offered athletes a parallel arena—one where success was not judged by time, distance, or score, but by honesty, presence, and perspective.
The aftershocks of this cultural moment are still unfolding. Institutions are beginning to support athlete creativity more actively. Fans are engaging with sport through a richer, more nuanced lens. Youth programs are integrating artistic expression as a means of holistic development. Retired athletes are finding new purpose and platforms through their art.
Perhaps most importantly, this moment opened the door for future Olympians to enter the arena with their full selves—bodies in motion, minds engaged, and hearts open to the transformative power of expression. In Tokyo, the world saw that strength and sensitivity are not opposites but partners. That high performance and deep feeling can exist side by side. That athletes, like all of us, are more than what they do. They are also what they create, what they feel, and what they choose to share.
Art met sport at Tokyo 2020—and together, they told a story that will echo far beyond the Games.