Citius, Altius, Fortius... Virus. The sombre countdown has begun to the opening ceremony of the Covid-clouded Olympics, meant to be not only a celebration of wonderful and diverse sport but an uplifting congregation from all around the planet in a time of unprecedented crisis for humankind.

Friday’s event is set to be a subdued affair, with just 950 people — including only around 15 global leaders — set to attend. Spectators have been barred from most events as Covid-19 cases surge in Japan’s capital. On Thursday, Tokyo reported 1,979 new cases, the highest since January 15.

US first lady Jill Biden arrived in Tokyo on Thursday, raising expectations she might also use her attendance to discuss vaccines with Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga.

Only a third of Japan have had at least one dose of the vaccine, fuelling public concerns that the Olympics could become a super-spreader event. Already 87 Olympic-related personnel have tested positive for the virus.

But for the athletes at Tokyo 2020, dubbed “Games of Hope” by IOC president Thomas Bach, the action cannot start soon enough. For them, the every daily saliva check for Covid-19 they go through brings a spasm of dread given all that they have devoted over so many years just for this one occasion.

Hopefully, once the Games are underway, much of the doubt would have been washed away by the brilliance of the athletes and the human drama that make up an Olympics.

Simone Biles comes to Tokyo with gymnastic moves so bold that only she dare attempt them. In the pool, Caeleb Dressel has seven opportunities to demonstrate why he is the successor to Michael Phelps. For Japanese fans craving something to savour, Naomi Osaka will be cheered on. Cherished dreams will be fulfilled. Careers will be defined. There will be the superstars, but also those uplifting stories of triumph over adversity. Indian eyes will be drawn to PV Sindhu and hopes of some new medallists.

After a year of delay in which many athletes have been deprived of meaningful competition, most will just be relieved that they have had their chance at last.

For the athletes — and for these Olympics — reaching the start line is the first achievement.

Written with inputs from Reuters