After months of traveling around the globe, the Olympic torch has now lit the cauldron.
None other than Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka was the one to be the final torch bearer and officially light the cauldron that resides in Olympic Stadium. Her opening match in the Olympics was pushed back from Saturday to Sunday, leading to some speculation that she would have a larger role in this year’s opening ceremonies.
Osaka is the first tennis player ever chosen to light the Olympic cauldron.
The Olympic Cauldron has been lit! 🔥@naomiosaka does the honours as the curtain rises on #Tokyo2020. #OpeningCeremony | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/6bYlwnMDfh— Olympics (@Olympics) July 23, 2021
The Olympic Cauldron has been lit! 🔥@naomiosaka does the honours as the curtain rises on #Tokyo2020. #OpeningCeremony | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/6bYlwnMDfh
What a moment for Naomi Osaka (and the world). #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/9cR5dsHRqJ— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) July 23, 2021
What a moment for Naomi Osaka (and the world). #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/9cR5dsHRqJ
Osaka’s celebrity has skyrocketed over the past few months as the four-time Grand Slam champion has become an advocate for mental health and cemented her presence in the fashion industry.
More recently, Osaka has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and released a documentary on Netflix.
Born of Haitian and Japanese descent, Osaka was born in Japan and as such will be representing the host country in this year’s Olympics. She is set to begin play against 52nd-ranked Saisai Zheng of China on Center Court on Sunday.