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Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The turbulent journey to the opening of Tokyo 2020

Japan's pandemic Games have faced myriad problems over the past decade

The Olympic logo on display in Tokyo on Thursday. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)

TOKYO -- Ever since the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, the quadrennial sporting extravaganza has had to overcome myriad woes -- from natural disasters and medical crises to wars and terrorist attacks.

For Tokyo 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has obviously been the biggest headache by far, but it's not been the only one. Getting from the launch of Tokyo's bid a decade ago to this week's opening ceremony has involved traveling a long and winding road, filled with potholes and contention.

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